Eggplant Salad

Eggplant salad is a classic dish loved by everyone, reminding us of festive meals and moments spent with loved ones. With a rich history, this recipe has been savored by generations and is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a holiday meal, a picnic, or a simple family dinner.

In this recipe, we will explore each step to achieve a delicious and creamy eggplant salad, perfect to be enjoyed on a slice of fresh bread or as an appetizer alongside other delicacies.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 2-3 medium eggplants (approximately 600-800 g)
- 1 small onion
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 raw egg yolk
- Salt, to taste
- Juice of one lemon (approximately 1-2 tablespoons)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the eggplants:
Start by washing the eggplants thoroughly, ensuring you remove any impurities. After washing, dry them with a clean towel. Then, it's time to roast them. You can choose to roast them on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop, depending on your preferences.

- On the grill: Preheat the grill and place the whole eggplants on it, letting them roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally until the skin turns black and the eggplants are soft.
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the eggplants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and roast for 30-40 minutes until the skin is charred and the flesh becomes soft.
- On the stovetop: If you prefer, you can place them directly over the burner flame, turning them constantly. This process will give your salad a smoky flavor.

2. Cleaning and draining the eggplants:
Once the eggplants are roasted, let them cool for 10-15 minutes for easier handling. Then, peel off the skin, which should come off easily. Place the flesh in a bowl and let it drain for about 30 minutes to remove excess water.

3. Chopping the eggplants:
After they have drained sufficiently, you can chop the eggplants on a cutting board or blend them with a mixer, depending on your preference for the final texture. If you prefer a more rustic salad, manual chopping is ideal, while a blender will create a creamy texture.

4. Mixing the ingredients:
In the bowl with the eggplants, add the raw egg yolk, olive oil, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well with a wooden spoon or a hand mixer. It’s important to incorporate the oil gradually to achieve a smooth and creamy emulsion.

5. Adding the onion:
Finely chop the onion and add it to the eggplant mixture. The onion adds extra flavor and crunch to the salad, but you can adjust the amount or even use green onions if you prefer a milder taste.

6. Serving:
The eggplant salad is now ready to be served! You can choose to garnish it with olives, slices of tomatoes, or even a bit of chopped parsley for a more appealing look. It is delicious on toasted bread, alongside fresh vegetables, or with other appetizers.

Practical tips:
- Choose well-ripened eggplants, free from spots or imperfections, to achieve a salad with a full flavor and smooth texture.
- Add a bit of crushed garlic for extra flavor, or you can replace the egg yolk with yogurt for a lighter version.
- The eggplant salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but its taste is best when fresh.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
The eggplant salad is a healthy choice, rich in fiber and antioxidants. Eggplants contain essential vitamins such as vitamins C and K, while olive oil adds healthy fats. A serving of eggplant salad has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of oil? Yes, you can experiment with sunflower or canola oil, but olive oil provides a distinct and healthy flavor.
- What can I do with leftovers? You can use the eggplant salad to fill sandwiches, wraps, or even as a filling for baked vegetables.

Possible variations:
- Try adding roasted peppers for a sweet note and an extra splash of color.
- Use spices like cumin or paprika to add an exotic flavor.

Eggplant salad is not just a delicious appetizer, but also a way to bring a touch of nostalgia to every meal. Each bite will remind you of moments spent with family and friends, and the combination of flavors will make you return to this recipe time and time again. Surely, an eggplant salad prepared with love will be appreciated by all your loved ones!