Eggplant salad with roasted peppers and mushrooms
To prepare a delicious salad with eggplants, bell peppers, and mushrooms, the first step is to roast the eggplants and bell peppers. They are roasted over the flame of the stove, ensuring that the skin burns evenly, which will facilitate the subsequent peeling. Once the eggplants are roasted, we let them cool slightly and then peel off the burnt skin under cold running water, making sure to remove all the black skin, leaving only the soft and fragrant pulp.
Meanwhile, the bell peppers, after being roasted, are placed in a bowl and sprinkled with coarse salt. This step is essential because the salt helps draw out moisture from the peppers, making them easier to peel. After about 10 minutes, when the peppers have softened, we peel off the burnt skin and seeds under running water, thus obtaining tender and sweet pieces of pepper.
The next ingredient on our list is the mushrooms, which need to be rinsed with cold water and then well-drained. In a heated pan, we add a splash of oil and put the mushrooms in, adding a little salt to draw out their natural juices. We cover the pan with a lid and let them sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will become tender and aromatic, and during this time we take care of the onion.
The onion is peeled, washed well, and finely chopped. Once the mushrooms are ready, we add them and the chopped onion to the pan, covering it again with the lid. We let the mixture cook until the onion becomes translucent and the mushrooms are fully cooked, releasing their flavors.
After all the ingredients are prepared, the eggplants and bell peppers are processed in a food processor until we obtain a smooth paste. We add the mushroom and onion mixture and 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise, mixing everything well until we achieve a creamy composition. It is important to taste and adjust the salad with salt, so the flavors are balanced.
This salad is usually served cold, making it perfect as an appetizer or a side dish for various meals. The rich flavors of the eggplants, the sweetness of the bell peppers, and the texture of the mushrooms harmoniously blend together, offering a remarkable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: an eggplant (1.6 kg); 4 bell peppers (600 g); a can of sliced mushrooms (400 g); two onions; 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise; coarse salt; a little oil for sautéing the mushrooms and peppers.