Kuwaiti Spicy Eggplant Salad Recipe with Mint and Cinnamon

Spicy Eggplant Salad

Kuwaiti Spicy Eggplant Salad Recipe with Mint and Cinnamon
Region / culture: Kuwait | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Eggplant Salad
Spicy Eggplant Salad

Spicy Eggplant Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a bit of heat in their meals. This salad is a great option for a light lunch or a side dish for a dinner party.

History

The origins of Spicy Eggplant Salad can be traced back to Middle Eastern cuisine, where eggplants are a staple ingredient in many dishes. This particular recipe combines the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant with a spicy tomato sauce, creating a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Slice the eggplants crosswise into 1.5-inch thick pieces. Sprinkle them with 2 tbsp of coarse salt and let them stand for 15 minutes. Rinse the eggplants under cold water to remove the bitter taste, then rinse again and dry them well on a towel. Heat the oil in a skillet and lightly brown the eggplant slices over moderate heat for 3 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and put them into a serving bowl. Allow them to cool. Put the tomato sauce, pepper, chile, cinnamon, mint, and 0.5 tbsp of salt (if desired) in a pan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to integrate. Pour this mixture over the eggplant and refrigerate until ready to use. The salad can be kept in the refrigerator for several days. Serve it cold or at room temperature.

Variations

  • Add some crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy touch.
  • Mix in some cooked chickpeas for added protein and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the eggplant well after salting to remove any bitterness.

- Browning the eggplant slices before adding the sauce helps to enhance their flavor.

- Adjust the amount of hot red chiles to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy Eggplant Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the eggplant slices until they are tender but not mushy.

- Simmer the tomato sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use olive oil instead of corn oil for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute fresh mint for dried mint if available.

Make Ahead Tips

Spicy Eggplant Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spicy Eggplant Salad with grilled chicken or lamb for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Eggplant Salad contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Eggplant Salad contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Eggplant Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Eggplant Salad contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Eggplant Salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check the ingredients for any specific allergens that may affect you.

Summary

Spicy Eggplant Salad is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spicy Eggplant Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a bit of heat in their meals. This salad is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light lunch.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, pick some fresh vegetables from her garden. As a thank you, she handed me a handwritten recipe for Spicy Eggplant Salad.

I had never made eggplant salad before, but the ingredients sounded delicious and I was eager to give it a try. Mrs. Thompson had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I felt honored to have been entrusted with such a treasured family recipe.

That evening, I gathered all the ingredients I would need: a large eggplant, ripe tomatoes, red onion, garlic, parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a variety of spices. I carefully followed the instructions, slicing the eggplant into thin rounds and roasting them in the oven until they were tender and slightly charred.

As the salad came together, the vibrant colors and fragrant aromas filled my kitchen. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. The first bite was a revelation - the smoky flavor of the roasted eggplant, the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, and the kick of the spices all combined to create a truly unforgettable dish.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire. Over the years, I have made Spicy Eggplant Salad countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experimented with new ingredients and techniques. But the core of the recipe - the roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and spices - remained the same.

As I continued to make the salad, I began to think about the history behind the recipe. I imagined Mrs. Thompson's grandmother, toiling in her own kitchen many years ago, carefully preparing each ingredient with love and care. I felt a connection to her, a shared bond through the simple act of cooking.

I also began to think about the significance of passing down recipes from one generation to the next. In today's fast-paced world, where convenience often trumps tradition, it is easy to forget the importance of preserving our culinary heritage. But as I made Spicy Eggplant Salad, I realized that these recipes are more than just instructions for making a meal - they are a link to our past, a way to connect with those who came before us.

I have now shared the recipe for Spicy Eggplant Salad with my own grandchildren, passing on the tradition that Mrs. Thompson started all those years ago. I hope that they will feel the same sense of excitement and connection that I did when I first saw the recipe, and that they will continue to make it for their own families in the years to come.

As I sit here, savoring a bowl of Spicy Eggplant Salad on a warm summer day, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. And I am reminded once again of the power of a handwritten recipe, passed down from generation to generation, connecting us to our past and creating memories for the future.

Categories

| Bitter Recipes | Chile Leaf Recipes | Chile Pepper Recipes | Corn Oil Recipes | Eggplant Recipes | Kosher Salt Recipes | Kuwaiti Recipes | Kuwaiti Salads | Mint Recipes |

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