Yemenite Eggplant Salad
Yemenite Eggplant Salad Recipe - Delicious Middle Eastern Dish
Introduction
Yemenite Eggplant Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that is popular in Yemeni cuisine. This salad is made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices that give it a unique and bold flavor. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course with some bread or rice.
History
Yemenite Eggplant Salad has been a staple in Yemeni cuisine for centuries. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. The combination of roasted eggplant and tomatoes with spices creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) of eggplant
- 1 cup of chopped tomato
- 0.5 cup of tomato puree, fresh or canned
- 1 tsp of minced garlic
- 1 tbsp of freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of zhoug, or the milder condiment, shatta
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C)
How to prepare
- Bake the eggplant until it is very soft, about 35 minutes.
- Peel and cool. Mash the eggplant pulp and mix with the chopped tomato.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Variations
- Add chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh herb flavor.
- Mix in some cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
- Drizzle with olive oil or tahini for a creamy finish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to bake the eggplant until it is very soft to ensure a creamy texture for the salad.
- You can adjust the amount of spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier version, you can add more zhoug or shatta to the salad.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Yemenite Eggplant Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own with some crusty bread or pita.
Cooking Techniques
Roasting the eggplant adds a smoky flavor to the salad.
- Mash the eggplant well for a creamy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
- Substitute zhoug with harissa for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
Yemenite Eggplant Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Yemenite Eggplant Salad in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or falafel. It can also be served alongside rice or couscous for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
80
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
Fats
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 2g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 4%
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Summary
Yemenite Eggplant Salad is a low-calorie, high-fiber dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and nutritious option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.
Summary
Yemenite Eggplant Salad is a flavorful and healthy dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and creamy texture, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Yemen. My mother was an excellent cook, and she passed down her love for cooking to me.
One day, a group of travelers passed through our village on their way to a neighboring town. They were kind-hearted people who shared stories of their travels and offered to share a meal with us. As a gesture of gratitude, my mother invited them to dine with us in our humble home.
One of the travelers, a wise old man with a twinkle in his eye, brought out a small pot of fragrant eggplant salad. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before - a symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my tongue. I was mesmerized by the dish and begged the old man to teach me how to make it.
He chuckled and agreed, taking me under his wing as his apprentice. For days on end, we toiled in the kitchen, roasting eggplants over an open flame and carefully peeling off their charred skins. We mixed them with a blend of spices and herbs, creating a dish that was as colorful as it was delicious.
As we cooked, the old man shared stories of his own travels and the many recipes he had learned from different cultures. He spoke of the importance of sharing food with others and how a simple meal could bring people together in ways that words could not.
After many hours of cooking and tasting, the eggplant salad was finally ready. The old man served it with a smile, watching as my family savored each bite. The dish was a hit, and my mother praised me for my newfound skills in the kitchen.
From that day on, the Yemenite Eggplant Salad became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions and weeknight dinners, always adding my own twist to the recipe. Each time I cooked it, I would think of the wise old man who had taught me the art of making this dish and the memories we had shared in the kitchen.
Years passed, and I eventually left my village to start a new life in a bustling city. I brought the recipe for the Yemenite Eggplant Salad with me, sharing it with friends and neighbors who marveled at its unique flavors. It became my signature dish, a reminder of my roots and the lessons I had learned from the old man.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen surrounded by the aromas of spices and herbs, I can't help but smile as I prepare the Yemenite Eggplant Salad once again. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the journey I took to discover its secrets and the people who taught me along the way.
And as I serve it to my loved ones, I know that the memory of that wise old man and the lessons he imparted to me will live on in every bite. Cooking is not just about following a recipe - it is about sharing stories, creating memories, and spreading love through food. And for that, I am forever grateful.