Grilled Eggplant Salad

Grilled Eggplant Salad is a combination of grilled aubergines and fresh vegetables. The eggplant is grilled either on a coal grill or an electric one and served along with fresh tomatoes, basil leaves and shredded cheese. Balsamic vinegar and olive oil are the cooking mediums used for grilling and dressing purposes respectively. There are numerous variations of the salad with a variety of other vegetables being added along with varied dressing ideas. Bell peppers and capers are often utilized as ingredients along with tomatoes.

The eggplant is usually cut into cubes or the tender, grilled flesh mashed before being mixed with the other ingredients. It is considered to be a traditional dish of the Mediterranean region as well as Eastern Europe. The dish is both nutritious as well as tasty and is an ideal appetizer for vegetarians. It is also frequently served in accompaniment to cold chicken and meat sandwiches.

Grilled Eggplant Salad Recipe Overview

The salad is popular in many parts of the world and is assembled by making use of various locally available ingredients. The simplest recipe for the salad recommends the eggplant to be lightly seasoned with salt and pepper and brushed with olive oil prior to grilling it lightly. The tender, partially charred pieces of eggplants are then diced and tossed together with cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, crumbled feta cheese and fresh sprigs of mint before serving.

Popular Variations of Grilled Eggplant Salad

• Patlıcan Salatası- This is a traditional Turkish dish prepared by tossing grilled eggplant together with garlic, tomatoes, green pepper, lemon juice and tahini. The dish may be prepared by adding  yogurt and olive oil to the grilled eggplant as well.
   
• Salat ḥatzilim B'mayonnaise- An Israeli dish prepared by adding mayonnaise to grilled aubergines which are then mashed and tossed with ginger and olive oil.
   
• Salată De Vinete- This dish is extremely popular in Hungary although it is consumed in Rome as well. It is made by mashing grilled eggplant and mixing it with sunflower oil, crushed garlic and onions. The eggplant are usually grilled until they turn black in color with a prominent crust formed of ash displayed on the surface.

Trivia

Grilled eggplant salad was one of the dishes to be featured on the television show, “Grill It! with Bobby Flay”.

Reference

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