Fried Eggplant Salad Romanian-style
Fried Eggplant Salad Romanian-style Recipe | Origin: Romania
Introduction
Fried Eggplant Salad Romanian-style is a delicious and traditional dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This salad is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
History
This recipe has been passed down through generations in Romania and is a staple in Romanian cuisine. It is a popular dish that is often served at family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Roast the eggplants. Peel them while still hot and then leave them on a slanted cutting board to drain.
- Meanwhile, boil the tomatoes and strain them. Roast the peppers, peel them, and cut them into very thin strips.
- Finely chop the onions and fry them in hot oil until soft.
- Add the chopped eggplants, pepper strips, tomato paste, and salt.
- Continue frying, stirring continuously, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Arrange the mixture on a plate and serve it cold.
Variations
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for extra flavor.
- Mix in some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
- Add some olives or capers for a briny kick.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to roast the eggplants until they are soft and tender.
- Be sure to peel the eggplants while they are still hot to make it easier to remove the skin.
- Fry the onions until they are soft and translucent for the best flavor.
- Stir the mixture continuously while frying to ensure that the ingredients are evenly cooked.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish.
Cooking Techniques
Roast the eggplants until they are soft and tender.
- Peel the eggplants while they are still hot to make it easier to remove the skin.
- Fry the onions until they are soft and translucent for the best flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use red or yellow bell peppers instead of roasted peppers.
- You can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 200 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 25g per serving
Fats
Fats: 10g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 5g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens.
Summary
This Fried Eggplant Salad Romanian-style is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Fried Eggplant Salad Romanian-style is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This salad is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling streets of Bucharest, Romania, where I found myself wandering through a local market. The sights and smells were overwhelming, but one particular stall caught my eye. It was filled with vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices.
As I perused the colorful display, an elderly woman approached me with a warm smile. She was the vendor, and her wrinkled hands expertly selected the best produce for me. We struck up a conversation, and she mentioned a traditional Romanian dish that she loved to make - Fried Eggplant Salad. I was intrigued and asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me.
Her eyes sparkled with delight as she began to recount the ingredients and method of preparation. She explained that the key to a perfect Fried Eggplant Salad Romanian-style was to select the freshest eggplants, cut them into thin slices, and fry them until they were golden brown and crispy. She also emphasized the importance of using high-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and a touch of vinegar to create a flavorful dressing.
I listened intently, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient. The vendor's passion for cooking was contagious, and I couldn't wait to try my hand at making this dish myself. Before I left, she handed me a handwritten recipe card with detailed instructions and wished me luck in my culinary endeavors.
Back at home, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. I carefully sliced the eggplants, sprinkled them with salt to draw out the bitterness, and let them sit for a while before patting them dry. I then heated up a generous amount of olive oil in a pan and began frying the eggplant slices in batches, making sure to flip them halfway through until they were perfectly cooked.
As the eggplants sizzled and released their mouthwatering aroma, I minced fresh garlic and prepared a simple dressing with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Once the eggplants were crispy and golden brown, I removed them from the pan and let them cool slightly before arranging them on a serving platter. I drizzled the dressing over the top and garnished the salad with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika for color.
The moment of truth had arrived. I took a bite of the Fried Eggplant Salad Romanian-style and closed my eyes in bliss. The flavors were incredible - the smoky eggplant, tangy dressing, and aromatic herbs all came together in perfect harmony. I couldn't believe that I had made such a delicious dish, thanks to the kind vendor who had shared her recipe with me.
Since that day, Fried Eggplant Salad Romanian-style has become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I have made it countless times for family gatherings, dinner parties, and just for myself on lazy weekends. Each time I prepare this dish, I remember the special moment in that bustling market in Bucharest and the wonderful woman who inspired me to create something truly magical in my own kitchen.
Categories
| Eggplant Recipes | Onion Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes | Romanian Recipes | Romanian Salads | Tomato Recipes |