**Eggplant Caviar: A Culinary Journey from the Mediterranean to Eastern Europe**
Embark on a culinary adventure with eggplant caviar, a delectable and versatile dish originating from the vibrant regions of the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. This flavorful spread, also known as aubergine caviar or eggplant salad, is a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Dive into a world of culinary heritage as we explore the diverse recipes featured in this article. From the classic Russian iteration, brimming with roasted eggplants, tomatoes, onions, and a hint of spice, to the vibrant Moldavian version, featuring a medley of eggplant, walnuts, and bell peppers, each recipe promises a unique taste sensation. Discover the secrets behind this beloved dish, from selecting the perfect eggplants to mastering the art of roasting and blending. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, we'll guide you through the process of creating this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen. Get ready to savor the smoky, savory, and slightly tangy flavors of eggplant caviar, a delightful addition to any appetizer spread, buffet table, or as a sandwich filling. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant colors and textures of this culinary gem, as we take you on a journey through the diverse culinary traditions that have made eggplant caviar a beloved dish across continents.
EGGPLANT CAVIAR
An old Russian favorite, this dish goes perfectly atop pita bread or served as a dip.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes 3 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Roast eggplants: Using a wooden skewer, pierce eggplants all over. Turn two gas burners or a gas grill to high flame; place one eggplant on each. Cook, turning with tongs as each side blackens and softens, until skins are completely black and flesh is falling-apart tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from flame; transfer to a nonreactive baking dish. Place one end of dish on a slant so that the juices can run from the eggplants. When cool enough to handle, peel away all blackened skin.
- Place eggplant flesh in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until pureed. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the onion, tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita or rye bread.
EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 1h20m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Brush eggplant with olive oil and roast eggplants at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until soft.
- Saute the garlic and shallots in 2 ounces olive oil over low heat until they are translucent and aromatic.
- After the eggplant has cooled, remove the pulp from the skins, and place in a food processor and process until smooth.
- Place mixture in a bowl and add remaining ingredients along with garlic and shallots. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve with pita wedges
ROASTED BABY POTATOES WITH EGGPLANT CAVIAR AND CREME FRAICHE
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Set a cooling rack into a baking sheet.
- Halve the eggplant lengthwise and score the flesh by making three long cuts down the middle and sides, making sure not to pierce the skin. Salt the eggplant and then place it
- cut-side down on the prepared cooling rack for 30 minutes to release moisture.
- Turn the eggplant over and remove the cooling rack. Using paper towels, dry the eggplant and the baking sheet of any moisture. Cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes and place back on the baking sheet. Scatter the garlic cloves among the eggplant. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with the smoked paprika and some salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast until the eggplant is completely soft and browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
- Lightly oil a baking sheet. Toss the potatoes in a medium bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Place the potatoes cut-side down on the oiled baking sheet and roast until tender, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool.
- Scrape the cooled eggplant into the bowl of a food processor and squeeze the roasted garlic out of its peels into the food processor. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, mint and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and puree until smooth. Add the shallot and tomato and pulse to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- To serve, scoop out a cavity in each potato half with a paring knife or small spoon. Fill with the "eggplant caviar" and top with a dollop of creme fraiche and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.
YUKON GOLD POTATO BLINI WITH EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Impress dinner guests with this elegant potato blini appetizer from chef Thomas Keller's "The French Laundry Cookbook."
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes about 3 dozen small blini
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a medium saucepan and add enough cold water to cover by at least 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to a simmer and simmer until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with the tip of a knife.
- Drain and peel warm potatoes; press through a very fine mesh sieve. Immediately weigh out 9 ounces pureed potatoes and transfer to a medium bowl. Working quickly, whisk in flour and 2 tablespoons creme fraiche. Add 1 egg, whisking until batter is smooth. Add second egg, whisking until batter is smooth. Finally add the yolk; whisk until batter is smooth and well combined.
- Hold the whisk with some of the batter over the bowl. The batter should fall in a thick stream but hold its shape when it hits the batter in the bowl. If it is too thick, add a little more creme fraiche. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat an electric griddle to 350 degrees or a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Working in batches and wiping griddle with a paper towel between each batch, spoon 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons batter onto griddle or skillet for each pancake. Cook until bottoms are browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn and cook on second side until evenly browned with a small ring of white around the edges, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small baking sheet and keep warm. Serve immediately topped as desired.
EGGPLANT CAVIAR FOR POTATO BLINI
Serve this appetizer with Yukon Gold Potato Blini from chef Thomas Keller's "The French Laundry Cookbook."
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes 1/2 cup
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Halve eggplant lengthwise; score the flesh side of both halves, making a crisscross pattern about 1/4 inch deep. Sprinkle both halves with salt and place scored-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover with a second baking sheet and place a heavy object (such as cans or a set of bowls) on top. Let eggplant render its excess liquid at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a baking sheet and set aside.
- Rinse eggplant, pat dry, and rub with some olive oil. Place halves flesh side down on prepared baking sheet. Transfer to oven and roast until eggplant is very soft and skin is wrinkled, about 1 hour. There should be no resistance when tested with a knife. Remove from oven and let stand until cool enough to handle.
- Scoop out eggplant pulp and lightly chop. Place pulp in a double layer of cheesecloth and tie to enclose with kitchen twine, leaving about 6 inches on the end. Hang bundle from a shelf in the refrigerator with a bowl set underneath or place in a colander set over a bowl and refrigerate; let drain at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
- Remove eggplant from refrigerator and hold cheesecloth bundle over sink; twist and squeeze to remove as much additional liquid as possible. Transfer pulp to the bowl of a small food processor; pulse a few times to break up eggplant. With the motor running, slowly add 2 tablespoons olive oil through the feed tube; continue processing until the color and texture begin to lighten, about 30 seconds.
- Turn the machine off and add garlic, mustard, and salt. With the motor running, slowly add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; continue processing 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper. Eggplant caviar may be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
ROASTED EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Takes a little time but well worth it. Serve with pumpernickel bread and cut-up vegetables or with crackers.
Provided by Gene Payne
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 1h20m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place eggplant on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil; prick all over with a fork.
- Roast eggplant in the preheated oven until very tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool until easily handled, about 10 minutes.
- Halve eggplant lengthwise and scrape out the flesh; discard skin. Chop flesh finely and transfer to a large bowl. Add onion, 2 tablespoons parsley, olive oil, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper; mix to combine. Garnish with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 34.1 calories, Carbohydrate 3.8 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Fat 2.2 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 0.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 88.4 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
ELEGANT EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) CAVIAR
Adapted from the New Basics Cookbook by Julee Rosso & Sheila Lukins(authors of The Silver Palate Cookbook), this is great served on the end of crisp Belgian endive leaves, atop soft scrambled eggs for brunch, or spread on grilled peasant bread toast.
Provided by Sharon123
Categories Vegetable
Time 15m
Yield 1 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Prick the eggplant in several places with a fork. Place it on a microwave safe dish and cook on high, uncovered, until soft and collapsed, 10 minutes(or cook in 350* oven for about 30-45 minutes until soft). Set aside to cool.
- Arrange the walnut pieces on a baking sheet, and cook at 350* F. about 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant(just stick in the oven with the eggplant). Chop fine.
- Scrape the eggplant flesh into a wooden or glass bowl and coarsely chop.
- Stir in the walnuts, onion, parsley, chile pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper. Then slowly beat in the oil and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Cover loosely and let stand at room temperature for several hours before serving. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 526.9, Fat 44.3, SaturatedFat 5, Sodium 791.3, Carbohydrate 32.1, Fiber 16, Sugar 11.7, Protein 10.6
EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Smooth broiled eggplant accented with chopped onion, olive oil, and dill. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking. Serve in a pita or as a dip for bread.
Provided by Bertha Mann
Categories Appetizers and Snacks
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to broiler setting.
- Wash eggplant thoroughly, then pierce skin with a fork in several places. Place on a baking sheet and broil in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until soft. Turn eggplant over and broil for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and slice in half.
- Scoop out eggplant pulp with a spoon and place in a medium bowl. Mix in onion, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Serve hot or cold.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 95 calories, Carbohydrate 8.7 g, Fat 7 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 642.3 mg, Sugar 3.2 g
EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories dips and spreads, appetizer
Time 2h10m
Yield Five cups
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Halve the eggplants lengthwise, score with a knife and sprinkle lightly with the kosher salt. Cover with a heavy plate and weigh down the plate to press out the moisture for 1 hour.
- Squeeze excess water from the eggplants. Lay the eggplants skin side down on the coals and roast until completely soft, from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the heat of the coals. Remove and set aside to cool.
- When the eggplants are cool enough to handle, skin them. Place in a wooden bowl and use a fork to mince them. Remove the pulp to a piece of clean cloth or a towel to drain the excess liquid.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, mustard and salt and pepper. Add the eggplant pulp and stir to mix. Serve immediately or store on ice for up to two days.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 264, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 17 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 696 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams
EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) SALAD/CAVIAR
This is a very easy and healthy addition to any meal. Makes a great side dish or as a dip. Also known as Baklazhanovaya Ikra in Russian. You will need a larger non-stick skillet (at least 12 inches wide and 3 inches tall). Also two hand-fulls of cherry tomatoes can be substituted for the two medium tomatoes.
Provided by blazer380
Categories Peppers
Time 1h
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Chop and caramelize the onions on a skillet (with a little bit of olive oil) over medium heat until they are golden but not burnt.
- While the onions are cooking, without peeling the eggplant, cut it into about 1/2 inch cubes. And place in a large bowl.
- Chop the bell pepper and add to bowl.
- Cut the tomatoes and add to bowl.
- Take the cooked onions, finely chop them, and add to bowl.
- Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and finely chopped garlic to the bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients in the bowl and transfer to a 12 inch non-stick skillet.
- Pour the contents of the tomato can on top of what's in the skillet and mix it a little bit.
- Cover with a lid and cook on low/medium heat. Keep mixing the contents every 10-15 minutes to cook things evenly and prevent burning. If you notice sticking to pan, reduce heat.
- The dish is ready when most of the liquid has evaporated and all the ingredients are soft and fully cooked. Approximately 45 minutes.
- Place in fridge to cool the salad since it's best served chilled.
EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut in half lengthwise: 2 medium eggplants.
- Sprinkle the cut surfaces with: Salt, Fresh-ground black pepper, Olive oil.
- Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast until soft. Test for doneness at the stem end; the eggplant should be very soft. Remove from the oven and let cool. Scrape the flesh out of the skins into a bowl and stir vigorously to loosen into a purée.
- Add: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, Salt, Fresh-ground black pepper, 1 garlic clove, peeled and pounded to a purée, 2 to 4 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Mix well and taste, adding more salt and lemon as needed.
- Variations
- Use 2 tablespoons chopped mint in place of parsley or cilantro.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed toasted coriander seeds. To toast, heat whole coriander seeds in a heavy pan over medium heat until slightly brown. Crush in a mortar and pestle or under a heavy pan.
- Add a pinch or two of dried chile flakes.
- For a smoky flavor, keep one eggplant whole and char it over hot coals or the open flame of a burner until tender. Cut in half, scrape out the flesh, and combine with the other ingredients.
RUSSIAN EGGPLANT CAVIAR
This is a traditional family recipe that has been passed on from daughter to daughter. It is sure to please your guests and family. Spread it on bread or use it as a dip. Enjoy!
Provided by from-Russia-to-you
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 1h38m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place eggplants in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain in a colander; press out excess water with the back of a large spoon.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add green bell pepper; cook and stir until softened, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Stir drained eggplant into the skillet. Add tomato sauce, salt, and pepper; cook, mashing eggplant with the back of the spoon, until flavors combine and tomato sauce darkens, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 112.2 calories, Carbohydrate 12.3 g, Fat 7.1 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 137.4 mg, Sugar 5.7 g
EGGPLANT CAVIAR WITH FRESH TOMATO COULIS
Provided by Reine Sammut
Categories Tomato Appetizer Bake Eggplant Bon Appétit Vegan Vegetarian Pescatarian Paleo Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 4 first-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place eggplant on baking sheet. Pierce eggplant several times with fork. Bake until very soft and skin wrinkles and cracks, about 45 minutes. Cool slightly. Cut baked eggplant in half lengthwise. Peel off skin. Place eggplant in sieve and let drain 45 minutes. Finely chop eggplant.
- Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in medium bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add eggplant; toss to coat. (Can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
- Bring medium pot of water to boil. Add tomatoes to boiling water and blanch 30 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer tomatoes to bowl of cold water and cool.
- Using small sharp knife, pull skin off tomatoes. Core tomatoes and cut in half crosswise; squeeze out seeds. Transfer tomatoes to processor and blend until smooth. Transfer puree to bowl. Mix in remaining 1§ tablespoons olive oil, salt and white pepper. Let coulis stand until any air bubbles have popped, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.
- Spoon § cup tomato coulis into center of 4 shallow bowls. Using 2 large soup spoons, form eggplant mixture into oval and set atop coulis. Repeat, placing 3 ovals in each bowl. Garnish each with 1 fresh basil sprig.
BAKLAZHANOVAYA IKRA - EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) CAVIAR
This was given to me by one of my Russian Language teachers. It is best served cool on rye or pumpernickel toast points. Passive time is chilling time.
Provided by Krsi Sue
Categories Vegetable
Time 3h15m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Pierce an eggplant with a fork in several places, put on a baking sheet and bake, about an hour to an hour and a half (for your desired tenderness), turning while baking, until soft in a 325 degree oven.
- Refrigerate until cool.
- Cut the eggplant, lengthwise, in half and scoop out the pulp.
- Chop the pulp until very fine.
- Mix onion, tomatoes, eggplant pulp, garlic, oil, and vinegar together and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
- Baklazhanovaya Ikra is served with chopped parsley.
SICILIAN EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories appetizer
Time 1h30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Prick eggplants all over with a fork, then place on a sheet pan. Roast until tender, about 45 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Cut eggplants in half lengthwise, and scoop out meat into a saucepan. Simmer until most of the liquid is evaporated and eggplant is dry, about 20 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper, and saute one minute. Add anchovies and olives, and saute another minute, stirring continuously. Add tomatoes, and cook a minute more. Add eggplant, and cook two minutes. Add cheese, croutons and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in mint and parsley until well combined. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 179, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 594 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CURRIED EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, appetizer
Time 15m
Yield 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook the eggplant in the oven or over a flame as described above. Set aside to cool.
- Heat the oil in a skillet and add the mustard seeds, stirring until they make popping noises. Add the onion and sautee until soft, then add the garlic, ginger and chili. Sautee for three to four minutes. Stir in the curry powder and cook for a few minutes longer.
- Scrape the eggplant pulp from the skin and mash it. Add the curry mixture, the tomtoes and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt, stir in the yogurt and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 148, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 665 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams
EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Provided by Food Network
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Halve eggplants and rub the flesh sides with 1/4 cup of the olive oil. Place on racks set on baking sheets. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit until cool enough to handle. Scoop flesh into a food processor and puree until creamy. Remove to a large mixing bowl and fold in the tomatoes, olives, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Halve eggplants and rub the flesh sides with 1/4 cup of the olive oil. Place on racks set on baking sheets. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit until cool enough to handle. Scoop flesh into a food processor and puree until creamy. Remove to a large mixing bowl and fold in the tomatoes, olives, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
EGGPLANT CAVIAR
Easy and wonderful dip,spread! You can also can this and save for future use. I found this recipe on easy french food dot com. It is really yummy!
Provided by Deb Crane
Categories Other Sauces
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the eggplants in two lengthwise, and place cut side down on a no stick baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes or until very tender. Remove from the oven and allow to cool enough so you can handle them.
- 2. Remove the skin (it should slip right off) and place the flesh in a food processor. Add the garlic, tomato, parsley, and lemon juice and blend until very smooth. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a thin stream. Season to taste with salt and pepper (about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Serve warm or cold. Makes about 2 cups.
Tips:
- Choose ripe and firm eggplants for the best flavor and texture.
- Prick the eggplants with a fork before roasting to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting.
- Roast the eggplants until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft and tender.
- Let the eggplants cool slightly before handling them to prevent burns.
- Use a food processor or immersion blender to achieve a smooth and creamy texture for the caviar.
- Season the caviar to taste with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Serve the caviar as a dip with crackers or bread, or use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
Conclusion:
Eggplant caviar is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a dip, spread, or side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover eggplant and is also a healthy and affordable option. With its smoky flavor and creamy texture, eggplant caviar is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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