Eggplant salad with mayonnaise

Eggplant Salad with Mayonnaise: A Summer Delight

Who doesn't love a fresh eggplant salad with mayonnaise on hot summer days? This classic, easy-to-make recipe is a true treasure of gastronomy, loved by everyone. The eggplants, with their velvety texture and sweet aroma, combine perfectly with creamy mayonnaise, creating a savory appetizer that can be enjoyed at any meal. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious salad!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 2 kg eggplants
- 1 small onion (preferably white or yellow)
- Salt (to taste)
- Mayonnaise:
- 1 egg
- 150 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 immersion blender

Preparation

1. Roasting the eggplants: Start by preparing the eggplants. You can roast them directly over the flame on the stove or in the oven, on a tray. If you choose to roast them on the stove, make sure to turn them occasionally so they roast evenly. If roasting in the oven, preheat the oven to 200°C and leave them for about 30-40 minutes or until the skin turns black and the flesh is soft.

2. Cooling and peeling the eggplants: Once roasted, let them cool slightly. Then, carefully peel off the skin. You can do this with a knife or simply remove it by hand. Place the peeled eggplants in a colander, sprinkle a little salt, and let them drain for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps remove excess water from the eggplants, preventing a watery salad.

3. Chopping the eggplants: After draining, chop the eggplants as finely as possible with a knife, or if you prefer, you can mash them with a fork for a finer texture. Place them in a large bowl.

4. Preparing the onion: Chop the onion as finely as possible. This will add a delicate flavor to your salad. Add the chopped onion to the eggplants and mix well.

5. Making the mayonnaise: In a tall container (the blender's container is ideal), add the whole egg, oil, lemon juice, and mustard. Insert the blender into the container, covering the yolk. Activate the blender and mix until you achieve a creamy mayonnaise. It is important to use an immersion blender, as it will quickly emulsify the ingredients.

6. Assembling the salad: Add the mayonnaise over the eggplant and onion mixture. Mix everything very well so that the mayonnaise is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the salt or mayonnaise according to preference.

7. Cooling: It is recommended to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the salad even more delicious.

Serving

Eggplant salad with mayonnaise can be served with fresh tomatoes or slices of toasted bread. A wonderful idea is to stuff the tomatoes with eggplant salad, creating an elegant presentation. You can also add olives or a few parsley leaves for a more festive look.

Useful tips

- Eggplants: Choose firm eggplants with an even color and no blemishes. Avoid eggplants with shiny skin, as they may contain more water.
- Mayonnaise: If you want to make an even more flavorful mayonnaise, you can add crushed garlic or spices like paprika or cumin.
- Vegan option: You can use a lentil egg or a vegan product to make the mayonnaise, thus making the eggplant salad completely vegan.

Nutritional benefits

Eggplants are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin K, contributing to immune system health and maintaining healthy skin. They are also low in calories, making them ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. A serving of eggplant salad with mayonnaise (approximately 100g) contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other ingredients?
Yes, you can add ingredients like roasted peppers or olives to give your salad a special touch.

2. How can I store eggplant salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Make sure to cover the container well to prevent oxidation.

3. What drinks pair well with eggplant salad?
A cold lemonade or a glass of dry white wine are excellent choices to accompany this salad.

Enjoy every bite of this eggplant salad with mayonnaise, perfect for summer days, festive meals, or simply as a savory appetizer! Bon appétit!