Eggplant Salad with Dill
Eggplant Salad with Dill Recipe - Traditional Moldovan Dish
Introduction
Eggplant salad with dill is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of roasted eggplant, fresh dill, and tangy tomatoes creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Eggplant salad with dill is a traditional dish in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The recipe has been passed down through generations and is a popular choice for summer meals due to its light and refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Roast the eggplants. Peel them while still hot and then let them drain on a slanted cutting board.
- Chop the eggplants using a wooden or glass chopper. Place them in a bowl and mix with a wooden spoon, adding a little oil at a time until it becomes foamy and whitens.
- Add finely chopped dill and onions to taste, along with pepper and salt.
- Transfer the mixture to a salad bowl or plate and garnish with tomato slices and rounds of green pepper.
Variations
- You can add other ingredients to the salad, such as roasted red peppers, olives, or feta cheese, to create different flavor variations.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When roasting the eggplants, make sure to prick them with a fork before placing them in the oven to prevent them from bursting. Additionally, be sure to let the eggplants drain on a slanted cutting board after peeling to remove any excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the eggplant salad with dill as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy lunch.
Cooking Techniques
Roasting the eggplants gives them a smoky flavor that adds depth to the salad. Be sure to roast them until they are soft and tender.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use different herbs, such as parsley or mint, in place of dill for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the eggplant salad with dill ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the salad with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve the eggplant salad with dill alongside grilled chicken or lamb for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of eggplant salad with dill contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of eggplant salad with dill contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of eggplant salad with dill contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of eggplant salad with dill contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Eggplant is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies to the ingredients used.
Summary
Eggplant salad with dill is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Eggplant salad with dill is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer meals. With its combination of roasted eggplant, fresh dill, and tangy tomatoes, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit a local farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for my next culinary experiment. As I wandered through the stalls filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, my eyes were immediately drawn to a vibrant purple eggplant sitting proudly on a display table.
I had always loved eggplant, but I had never really experimented with it in my cooking. Intrigued by the possibilities, I decided to purchase one and take it home with me to see what I could come up with. Little did I know that this simple decision would lead me to discover one of my all-time favorite recipes.
When I got home, I began scouring through my collection of cookbooks and recipe cards, searching for inspiration. That's when I stumbled upon a handwritten recipe for Eggplant Salad with Dill, tucked away in the back of an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother.
As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within me. The combination of roasted eggplant, fresh dill, tangy lemon juice, and fragrant garlic sounded like a match made in culinary heaven. I knew I had to give it a try.
I wasted no time in getting started. I preheated my oven, sliced the eggplant into thick rounds, and drizzled them with olive oil before popping them into the oven to roast. As the eggplant cooked, its sweet aroma filled my kitchen, teasing my taste buds and making my stomach growl in anticipation.
While the eggplant roasted, I finely chopped fresh dill and minced garlic, then whisked them together with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a simple yet flavorful dressing. I couldn't wait to toss the roasted eggplant with the dressing and let the flavors meld together.
Finally, the eggplant was ready. I carefully removed it from the oven and allowed it to cool slightly before transferring it to a large mixing bowl. I poured the dressing over the warm eggplant and gently tossed everything together, making sure each piece was coated in the fragrant mixture.
The moment I took my first bite of the Eggplant Salad with Dill, I knew I had found something truly special. The creamy texture of the roasted eggplant paired perfectly with the bright, herbaceous flavors of the dill and lemon, creating a dish that was both comforting and refreshing. I couldn't help but smile as I savored each mouthful, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment wash over me.
From that day on, Eggplant Salad with Dill became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on lazy weeknights when I craved something simple yet delicious. Each time I prepared it, I thought back to that fateful day at the farmer's market when I stumbled upon the recipe that would become a beloved favorite in my culinary journey.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that memory, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous chain of events that led me to discover such a delightful recipe. It serves as a reminder of the joy and excitement that comes from trying new things in the kitchen, and the endless possibilities that await when we open ourselves up to new flavors and experiences.
So here I am, years later, still making Eggplant Salad with Dill whenever I crave a taste of nostalgia and a reminder of the magic that can be found in the simplest of ingredients. And as I continue to share this recipe with loved ones and pass it down to future generations, I know that its legacy will live on, just as my own love for cooking has been passed down through the generations before me.
Categories
| Eggplant Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Moldovan Recipes | Moldovan Salads | Onion Recipes | Tomato Recipes |