Eggplant salad with wild garlic and mayonnaise

Eggplant salad with ramsons and mayonnaise

Preparing an eggplant salad is a beloved culinary tradition, often associated with the warm moments of summer when fresh vegetables are at their peak. This recipe for eggplant salad with ramsons and mayonnaise combines the rich flavors of roasted eggplant with the delicate aroma of ramsons, offering a refined and healthy dish. Additionally, homemade mayonnaise adds an extra layer of flavor, transforming this dish into a true delight.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 small red onion
- 1 green onion
- A few ramsons leaves (about 5-6 leaves)
- 3-4 tablespoons of homemade mayonnaise
- Salt to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the eggplants:
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the washed eggplants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The eggplants are ready when the skin turns black and the flesh is soft. An alternative to baking is grilling for a smoky flavor, but baking in the oven is simpler and more even.

2. Removing the skin:
After the eggplants are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes. Then, peel them with a knife. The soft flesh will provide texture to the salad. Make sure to let the eggplants drain excess water so that the salad does not become too wet.

3. Chopping the ingredients:
In a bowl, finely chop the red onion and ramsons leaves. These ingredients provide a pleasant contrast to the eggplants, adding a note of freshness. If you prefer a finer texture, you can add all the ingredients to a food processor.

4. Mixing:
In a food processor, add the drained eggplants, red onion, ramsons, and a teaspoon of salt. Process until you obtain a smooth paste. You can adjust the consistency by adding the mayonnaise gradually until you reach the desired texture. If you prefer a salad with larger pieces, you can skip the food processor and mix the ingredients with a spatula.

5. Adding the mayonnaise:
After achieving the desired mixture, add the mayonnaise. I recommend using homemade mayonnaise made from fresh egg yolks, oil, mustard, and lemon juice for an authentic taste. The mayonnaise will enrich the salad, giving it a special creaminess.

6. Cooling:
Transfer the eggplant salad to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serving:
The eggplant salad with ramsons and mayonnaise can be served plain, on toasted bread, or as a side dish with grilled meats. A lovely idea is to serve it in an elegant bowl, garnished with fresh ramsons leaves and thin slices of green onion. It is ideal for a picnic, a party, or even a family dinner.

Practical tips:
- This salad is very versatile. You can add olives, red peppers, or even nuts for added texture and flavor.
- If you can't find ramsons, you can use green garlic or parsley to give a fresh and aromatic note.
- You can reduce calories by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This will provide a creamy consistency but with less fat.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen eggplants for this recipe?
No, frozen eggplants do not have the same texture after cooking. Use fresh eggplants for the best results.

2. How can I make mayonnaise at home?
To make mayonnaise at home, you need 1 egg yolk, 200 ml of oil, 1 teaspoon of mustard, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl using a whisk or mixer until you achieve a creamy consistency.

3. What other recipes can I try with ramsons?
Ramsons are fantastic in garlic soup, pesto, or added to omelets. They enrich any dish with their distinctive flavor.

This eggplant salad with ramsons and mayonnaise is not just a delicious dish, but also a way to bring natural and healthy flavors to the table. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its refined taste!