Salata de vinete, also known as eggplant salad, is a traditional Romanian dish that combines the flavors of grilled eggplant, garlic, walnuts, and mayonnaise. This creamy and flavorful salad is often served as an appetizer, spread, or side dish alongside grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter. With its smoky, garlicky, and nutty flavors, salata de vinete is a delightful addition to any meal. In this article, we will explore the classic recipe for salata de vinete, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to create the perfect version of this Romanian specialty.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
SALATA DE VINETE
Salata De Vinete, or Eggplant Salad, is a common salad in many parts of Romania. Similar salads exist throughout Eastern and Southern Europe. Often, the salad is eaten with bread at breakfast or with bread as an appetizer/part of other meals. This version is without mayo or another creamy agent--making it ideal for summer picnics.
Provided by jo_mama
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h30m
Yield 1 quart, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Pierce eggplants with a fork on all sides.
- Broil the eggplants on a broiling pan in the oven. Broil, rotating approximately every 20 minutes, until all sides are well cooked and the eggplants begin to collapse and release juices. You can test doneness by pressing on the eggplants with a spatula or turner: the flesh should give and juices should drain out. (You could also grill the eggplants to get a smokier flavor).
- Remove pan from oven. Weight eggplants (e.g. setting a pyrex pan on top and weighting with canned goods) and allow to cool and for additional juices to drain.
- Finely mince shallot.
- Peel off all eggplant skin. Put eggplant flesh in bowl. Mash with fork. Add shallot, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice to taste.
- Serve with delicious, crusty bread.
SALATA DE VINETE
This is essential for any party in Romania. Serve it with sliced bread or crackers as part of a buffet. Be creative with garnishing. I like to use tomato roses and sliced hard boiled egg.
Provided by Transylmania
Categories Spreads
Time 1h5m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Poke the eggplants with a fork and roast them. You can either roast them in a 350 oven for about 40 minutes or cook them directly over a medium gas flame until the skins blister and char.
- Remove the skin from the eggplants, discard any bitter juices, and chop finely with a knife until it resembles a paste.
- In a large bowl combine the chopped eggplant with the oil, mayonnaise, onion and garlic, salt and pepper.
- Smooth the top and decorate creatively with veggies, pickles, hard boiled eggs -- .
Nutrition Facts : Calories 171.1, Fat 12.1, SaturatedFat 1.7, Cholesterol 3.8, Sodium 108.9, Carbohydrate 16.2, Fiber 7.1, Sugar 6.2, Protein 2.3
NADIA'S "SALATA DE VINETE" EGGPLANT SALAD SPREAD
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Pierce the eggplant skins in several places with a fork. Set the eggplants on a baking sheet and roast until soft and the skin is charred, 30 to 45 minutes, turning a few times for even roasting.
- When done, cut off the stems and peel the eggplants. Cut a slit along the side of each eggplant and transfer the eggplants to a strainer for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to drain.
- Finely chop the eggplants with a knife until they form a smooth puree. Add the eggplant puree to a bowl and stir in the olive oil and lemon juice until well-blended; taste and add more olive oil and lemon juice if desired. Add the onion and mix in the mayonnaise, adding more if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with dill and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill.
Tips:
- For a smoky flavor, roast the eggplant directly over an open flame or under a broiler.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can mash the eggplant with a fork or potato masher.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the eggplant mixture to brighten the flavors.
- For a creamier salad, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint.
- Serve the salad with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.
Conclusion:
Salata de vinete is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It is a great way to use up leftover eggplant, and it is also a healthy and affordable option. With its smoky flavor and creamy texture, salata de vinete is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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