Best 2 Romanian Eggplant Dip Recipes

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Venture into the culinary delights of Romania with our tantalizing Roasted Eggplant Dip, a staple in Romanian cuisine that bursts with smoky, earthy flavors. This delectable dip, known as zacuscă, is traditionally prepared with roasted eggplants, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic spices. Experience the symphony of textures as roasted vegetables meld seamlessly with savory spices, creating a smoky, rich, and umami-packed spread.

This versatile dip transcends its traditional role as a spread; it's an ensemble of recipes that cater to diverse culinary adventures. Transform it into a delightful pizza topping, adding a smoky twist to your favorite slices. Unleash your creativity and incorporate it as a flavorful pasta sauce, infusing your dishes with a smoky, roasted vegetable essence. For sandwich enthusiasts, zacuscă serves as an exceptional spread, adding depth and complexity to your lunchtime creations.

But the culinary journey doesn't end there. Discover the secrets of preparing eggplant salad, a refreshing and vibrant dish that showcases the eggplant's versatility. Elevate your culinary skills with the traditional Romanian eggplant salad recipe, a harmonious blend of roasted eggplants, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Explore the variations of this classic, experimenting with different herbs and spices to create a salad that reflects your unique palate.

As you delve deeper into the world of Romanian eggplant dishes, uncover the art of preparing vinete, a smoky, flavorful spread that captures the essence of roasted eggplants. With simple yet distinct ingredients, vinete showcases the smoky, tender flesh of eggplants, complemented by garlic, olive oil, and a hint of vinegar. Experience the delightful contrast of textures as the creamy eggplant spread yields to the crunch of toasted bread.

Embark on a culinary adventure with our comprehensive guide to Romanian eggplant dishes. From the smoky richness of zacuscă to the refreshing vibrancy of eggplant salad and the simplicity of vinete, these recipes offer a tantalizing glimpse into Romania's culinary heritage. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and immerse yourself in the smoky, earthy flavors that define these eggplant-centric delights.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ROMANIAN ROASTED EGGPLANT SPREAD



Romanian Roasted Eggplant Spread image

Healthy and refreshing roasted eggplant spread or dip. Garnish with tomatoes and olives and eat it with a slice of bread.

Provided by SAFAD

Categories     Fruits and Vegetables     Vegetables     Eggplant

Time 1h40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 eggplants
½ cup canola oil
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon salt
1 small onion, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Poke eggplant with a fork and place on a baking sheet.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until skin is charred and eggplant is soft, about 45 minutes. Cool until easily handled, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Peel eggplant and drain in a colander for 30 minutes. Chop eggplant very finely.
  • Place eggplant in a bowl and blend using an electric mixer. Gradually add oil and keep mixing until incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add yogurt and salt; mix well. Stir in chopped onion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 216.8 calories, Carbohydrate 11.9 g, Cholesterol 0.3 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 395.3 mg, Sugar 5.1 g

ROMANIAN EGGPLANT DIP



ROMANIAN EGGPLANT DIP image

Categories     Vegetable     Appetizer     Broil     Quick & Easy     Vegan

Yield 4-6 people

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 large eggplants ( around 2 pounds)
1 small onion or 2 cloves garlic
1/2 to 2/3 cup sunflower oil (grape seed oil, or any neutral vegetable oil)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional for serving:
4-6 medium tomatoes
a few leaves of parsley or black olives

Steps:

  • Roast the eggplants on the top of a gas stove directly on the flames. Keep the fire on high so the flames surround the eggplant. Roast each eggplant until the shin starts to burn (when you can see white gray color and the inside is soft at touch), then turn on the other side and cook until the skin starts to burn on that side. Transfer to a plate or cutting board and peel a part of the top burned shin with the back of a spoon. Let cool while the other eggplant is roasting. Scoop the inside of the eggplant into a bowl using a spoon. Repeat this procedure for the second eggplant. While the eggplant is cooling chop the onion very small (or crush the garlic). Once cooled, transfer the eggplant to a cutting board and crop it until is similar to a coarse paste. Mix the eggplant with the onion (or garlic), the salt and add the oil in batches. Add more onion (garlic) and salt to taste. Refrigerate for an hour or serve immediately. Optional serving with tomatoes: Cut the top of the tomatoes and scoop the inside with a teaspoon. Fill them with the dip and top with parsley.

Tips:

  • Choose ripe, firm eggplants for the best flavor and texture.
  • Use a grill or a stovetop burner to char the eggplants. This will give the dip a smoky flavor.
  • Be careful not to overcook the eggplants. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
  • Allow the eggplants to cool slightly before handling them. This will make them easier to peel and chop.
  • Use a food processor or blender to puree the eggplants until they are smooth and creamy.
  • Season the dip to taste with salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice.
  • Serve the dip with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables.
  • The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Romanian eggplant dip is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course. It is a great way to use up leftover eggplants and is a perfect dish for a summer party or potluck. The dip is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

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