VERY SPICY SALAD

Very spicy salad - A burst of flavors!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Who doesn't love a fresh salad, full of color and flavor? The very spicy salad is a perfect choice for hot summer days or for a light but full of personality dinner. This recipe is inspired by ancient culinary traditions, where fresh vegetables and spices join forces to create delicious and comforting dishes.

Ingredients:
- 3 medium eggplant
- 1 kg bell peppers (preferably a mix of colors for an eye-catching look)
- 6 suitable tomatoes (choose ripe but firm tomatoes)
- 1 chili pepper (adjustable according to your spicy tolerance)
- 5-6 garlic cloves
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white wine vinegar is ideal)

Step by step:

1. Prepare the eggplant: Start by cutting the eggplant into thick slices, about 1 cm thick. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle salt generously on top. This step is not only a traditional technique, it also helps to remove the bitterness from the eggplant. Let them sit for 2-3 hours, covered with a towel or cling film, to allow the salt to draw the juices out of the eggplant.

2. Roasting the peppers and tomatoes: Meanwhile, prepare the peppers and tomatoes. Bake the peppers on a baking tray in a preheated oven at 200°C until the skin turns black and peels easily (about 25-30 minutes). The tomatoes can be baked at the same time, but to preserve their texture, you can opt to blanch them quickly in hot water and then in cold water.

3. Roasting the eggplant: After the eggplant has been salted, rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt and bitterness, then pat them dry with a clean towel. In a deep skillet, heat enough oil for frying (about 1-2 inches deep). When the oil is heated through, add the eggplant slices and fry on both sides until golden brown and crispy. Remove to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

4. Peeling the vegetables: Once the peppers have cooled, peel the skins off the peppers and cut into strips. Peel and slice tomatoes after blanching.

5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pepper strips, tomato slices, thinly sliced garlic, chili peppers (remove the seeds if you want a less spicy salad) and roasted eggplant. Add salt to taste and the two tablespoons of vinegar, stirring carefully so as not to spoil the texture of the ingredients.

6. Serving: It's best to let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving so that the flavors blend perfectly. Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or as a refreshing appetizer with a slice of fresh bread.

Practical tips:
- Choose seasonal vegetables to get the best flavors and nutrients.
- If you like a more tart taste, you can add more vinegar or even lemon juice.
- Instead of wine vinegar, experiment with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different taste.
- If you can't stand chilli pepper very well, you can omit it or replace it with a red peppercorn.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, peppers contain vitamin C, and tomatoes are full of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect heart health. Garlic, besides its distinctive flavor, is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Although it is recommended to use fresh vegetables, you can use frozen vegetables, but the texture will be different.
- How can I store salad? It is best to eat the salad immediately, but you can keep it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Be sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.
- What goes very spicy salad with? This salad goes great with grilled fish, chicken or even a cheese platter.

Possible variations:
- Add black or green olives for extra flavor.
- Replace garlic with red onion for a sweeter flavor.
- You can add a few fresh parsley leaves or basil for extra freshness.

Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to get creative! The very spicy salad is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy!