Best 9 Smoky Eggplant And Yogurt Salad Recipes

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**Smoky Eggplant and Yogurt Salad: A Delightful Fusion of Flavors and Textures**

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with our tantalizing Smoky Eggplant and Yogurt Salad. This delectable dish offers a captivating blend of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors that will awaken your taste buds. Grilled eggplants, roasted red peppers, and sweet onions harmonize perfectly with a velvety yogurt dressing, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Join us as we guide you through the simple steps to recreate this exquisite salad, along with variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences and add exciting twists to the original recipe. Get ready to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.

**Recipes Included:**

* **Classic Smoky Eggplant and Yogurt Salad:** The cornerstone of our culinary journey, this recipe unveils the authentic flavors of the dish. Grilled eggplants, roasted red peppers, and onions unite with a creamy yogurt dressing, offering a delightful balance of smokiness, tanginess, and creaminess.

* **Vegan Smoky Eggplant and Yogurt Salad:** Embracing plant-based alternatives, this variation swaps yogurt for a luscious tahini dressing. The nutty, earthy flavor of tahini complements the smoky eggplant, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.

* **Spicy Smoky Eggplant and Yogurt Salad:** For those who relish a touch of heat, this rendition infuses the salad with fiery paprika and cayenne pepper. The vibrant red hue and zesty kick elevate the salad to a new level of excitement.

* **Refreshing Smoky Eggplant and Yogurt Salad with Herbs:** This variation adds a burst of freshness with a medley of aromatic herbs. Chopped parsley, cilantro, and mint dance harmoniously with the smoky eggplant, creating a vibrant and herbaceous salad.

* **Decadent Smoky Eggplant and Yogurt Salad with Feta:** Indulge in a richer experience with the addition of crumbled feta cheese. The salty, tangy notes of feta elevate the salad, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy yogurt dressing.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SMOKY EGGPLANT DIP



Smoky Eggplant Dip image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 large globe eggplants
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 dried pequin chiles, crushed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Flatbread or crackers, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Pierce each eggplant with the tip of a knife in about 10 spots. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until very soft and cracking in a few spots, about 50 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  • Cut each eggplant open lengthwise and scrape out the flesh with a large spoon; discard the skin. Place the flesh in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to coarsely chop. Add the parsley, mint, oregano, lemon juice, chiles, salt and olive oil. Puree for 20 seconds to combine. Allow to cool slightly before serving with crackers.

SMOKY EGGPLANT DIP



Smoky Eggplant Dip image

Serve this dip with chips, as part of a meze platter, or slather it on grilled chicken thighs or lamb chops.

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Categories     Bon Appétit     Eggplant     Garlic     Dip     Condiment/Spread

Yield Makes 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 medium globe eggplants
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or labneh (Lebanese strained yogurt)
1/2 cup finely chopped mint, plus torn leaves for serving
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt
Special Equipment
Hardwood or lump charcoal

Steps:

  • Remove grate and prepare a charcoal grill for medium heat (coals should be covered with ash and glowing red with no black remaining). Place eggplants directly on coals and cook, turning occasionally, until skins are completely charred and flesh is collapsed, 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and let cool. (Or, you can grill on the grate of a gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, 20-25 minutes.)
  • Split eggplants lengthwise and scoop flesh from skin into a medium bowl (it's okay if bits of charred skin get in there too). Mash eggplant with a fork to break up, then mix in garlic, yogurt, chopped mint, red pepper flakes, and 2 Tbsp. oil; season with salt.
  • To serve, drizzle dip with more oil and top with mint leaves.
  • Do Ahead
  • Dip can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

SILKY EGGPLANT WITH ALMOND SALSA AND YOGURT



Silky Eggplant With Almond Salsa and Yogurt image

Eggplant that's silky-soft and bubbly-brown all over (rather than tough, oily or fossil-like) is a revelation - and, with just a little maneuvering, it's not that hard. You'll want to sear the eggplant slices in hot oil, cover them for a minute or two, until they're soft, and then add a touch more oil until they're beautifully golden. You could, of course, eat these rounds on their own (and you might!), but spicy almond salsa, cubes of salty, crispy halloumi, and a bed of garlicky yogurt make them a full meal (especially if have warmed pita for swiping everything up). While salting the eggplant slices before you cook isn't completely necessary, it will help draw out some of the vegetable's moisture, making it less prone to bitterness and oil saturation.

Provided by Sarah Jampel

Categories     dinner, lunch, vegetables, main course

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 small or 2 medium Italian eggplant (about 24 ounces total)
Kosher salt
1/2 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus more for serving
2 garlic cloves, 1 smashed and 1 minced
1 teaspoon plus 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil
2 heaping tablespoons torn or roughly chopped mint
Black pepper
2/3 cup roughly chopped almonds
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 Fresno or Serrano pepper, minced
8 ounces halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Pita bread, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Line a colander with paper towels or a clean dishcloth. Slice the eggplant into 3/4- to 1-inch rounds, place in the colander and sprinkle with salt. Set aside for 20 to 30 minutes, until water beads on top of the eggplant.
  • Meanwhile, make the yogurt sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt with the lemon juice, smashed garlic clove, 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the torn mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
  • In a heavy pan with high sides over medium heat, toast the chopped almonds until golden brown and fragrant, 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Remove pan from the heat and transfer nuts to a medium bowl, then add the red-wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic clove and Fresno pepper. Mix and season with salt to taste.
  • Set up a plate or cutting board lined with paper towels next to the stove. Wipe out the pan you were working with and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Blot the moisture from the eggplant, and when the oil is hot, add the slices in a single layer (you'll probably have to work in batches). Cook until brown, then flip, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. While browning, as the eggplant is getting dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil and cover the pan for 1 to 2 minutes. The eggplant will be fork-tender and golden brown on both sides when finished. Transfer to the paper towel-lined surface and sprinkle with salt.
  • When you've finished cooking the eggplant, add the cubed cheese to the hot pan, leaving any residual oil (add a teaspoon of olive oil if there's not enough left in the pan). Sauté, stirring frequently, until brown and crisp all over. Remove pan from the heat.
  • Spread the yogurt on a platter. Arrange the eggplant and halloumi on top, then scatter with almond salsa. Garnish with remaining torn mint, then sprinkle with any leftover lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Serve with pita.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 704, UnsaturatedFat 34 grams, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fat 55 grams, Fiber 16 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Sodium 1337 milligrams, Sugar 17 grams, TransFat 1 gram

EGGPLANT WITH YOGURT AND DILL



Eggplant with Yogurt and Dill image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 48m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Toss 1 pound chopped eggplant, 3 unpeeled shallots and 3 unpeeled garlic cloves with 1/4 cup olive oil, salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Add some walnuts; bake for 8 more minutes. Cool slightly, then squeeze the shallots and garlic from their skins and chop; toss with the eggplant, nuts, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, fresh dill and salt and pepper.

SMOKY EGGPLANT DIP WITH YOGURT AND MINT



Smoky Eggplant Dip with Yogurt and Mint image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     appetizer

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 pounds eggplant (2 medium)
1/4 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons julienned fresh mint leaves, plus extra for serving
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
Good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Grilled or toasted pita triangles, for serving

Steps:

  • Make a fire on one side of a charcoal grill. When the fire is hot, prick the eggplants all over with a fork, and place them on the hot side of the grill for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, to char the skin all over. Move the eggplants to the cool side of the grill, put on the lid, making sure the vents are open, and roast the eggplants for 40 to 45 minutes, until they collapse when you press on them, turning once halfway through. Transfer the eggplants to a platter and cut in half lengthwise, allowing any liquid to run out.
  • With a slotted spoon, scoop the insides of the eggplants into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, discarding the skin and any excess liquid. Add the yogurt, lemon juice, mint, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the Sriracha, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Pulse just five or six times to combine but not puree the ingredients. Taste for seasonings; it should be highly seasoned!
  • Transfer to a shallow serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with extra mint and salt, and serve warm or at room temperature with pita triangles.

MARK BITTMAN'S GRILLED EGGPLANT SALAD WITH YOGURT



Mark Bittman's Grilled Eggplant Salad With Yogurt image

This dish is a creamy and mild eggplant salad made with a quick dressing of yogurt and seasonings. You can grill the eggplant half an hour before you serve the salad, or a half a day (or longer) ahead; it doesn't matter much at all.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     easy, quick, salads and dressings

Time 40m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound eggplants, preferably small light purple ones
1 medium onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch cayenne or Aleppo pepper or other mild ground chili powder
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or mint

Steps:

  • Start a charcoal or wood fire or preheat a gas grill or broiler; rack should be no more than 4 inches from heat source. Cut eggplants in half lengthwise up to stem, but do not cut through. Spread about 2/3 of the onion and garlic between the eggplant halves and press the two sides back together.
  • Grill eggplants, turning once or twice, until they are blackened and collapsed, 10 to 15 minutes. Do not worry if skin burns a bit. Meanwhile, mix remaining garlic and onion with yogurt; season to taste with salt, pepper and a little cayenne.
  • When cooked, let eggplants cool a bit, then peel off skins and let cool further. Roughly chop eggplants, then mix with yogurt dressing. Serve at room temperature or chill if you like; in either case, garnish with parsley or mint

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 64, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 414 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

TOMATO SALAD WITH SMOKY EGGPLANT FLATBREAD



Tomato Salad With Smoky Eggplant Flatbread image

Buy lavash or pita at a local Middle Eastern market, heat the flatbreads in a skillet or toaster oven, and smear them with this delicious eggplant spread, enriched with spices and tahini and pleasantly smoky from a cook over an open flame. Serve the flatbreads with this Turkish-style tomato salad, a variation on one I learned in Istanbul from the Turkish chef Gamze Ineceli. Hers is more traditional - finely chopped tomato is customary - but you can also choose the colorful cherry tomatoes at the market and cut them in halves or quarters.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     lunch, salads and dressings, vegetables, appetizer

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 large eggplant (about 1 pound)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
2 small garlic cloves, grated
2 tablespoons plain whole-milk yogurt
1/2 teaspoon toasted ground cumin
Pinch of ground cayenne
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper
1 small red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
1/2 teaspoon sumac
3 cups chopped tomatoes, preferably a mix of larger multicolored tomatoes and cherry tomatoes (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
Warm lavash or pita bread, for serving
3 tablespoons chopped dill, for garnish
3 tablespoons parsley, for garnish
3 tablespoons chopped mint leaves, for garnish

Steps:

  • Set the whole, unpeeled eggplant directly over a bed of hot coals, over the open flame of a gas burner at full blast or under the broiler. With a paring knife or skewer, poke a few holes into the eggplant to allow steam to escape. Let the skin of the eggplant blacken and blister, turning the eggplant continuously until it is soft, collapsed and completely charred, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Set the cooked eggplant on a chopping board, and, when cool enough to handle, cut in half from top to bottom. Let cool to room temperature (about 15 minutes), then scoop out flesh with a spoon, discarding any large seed pockets. Tear or roughly chop eggplant flesh and put in a medium bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, tahini, garlic, yogurt, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, and salt and pepper. Beat mixture with a fork, leaving it somewhat rough. Set aside to let flavors meld at room temperature, then taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving dish.
  • Put diced onion in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add pomegranate molasses, sumac and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  • Add chopped tomatoes and fold into onion mixture, sprinkling with a bit more salt, if necessary. Transfer to a serving dish and top with walnuts.
  • Spread eggplant mixture on pieces of warm lavash or pita, keeping the edges clear, and arrange on a platter. Spoon some of the tomato mixture onto each piece. Sprinkle dill, parsley and mint liberally over it all.

SMOKY EGGPLANT SPREAD



Smoky Eggplant Spread image

Essentially a delightful eggplant schmear to eat with warm pita triangles, this spread gets its pleasant smoky flavor from a deliberate charring of the eggplant skin. Whether over hot coals or under the broiler, the eggplant must be mercilessly blackened (the inner sweet flesh gets steamed to softness in the process). Tahini, olive oil, cumin, lemon and hot pepper take care of the rest.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dips and spreads

Time 40m

Yield about 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 medium eggplants, about 2 pounds
Salt
1/4 cup tahini paste
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, mashed to a paste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed, toasted until fragrant and coarsely ground
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
Pita or other flatbread, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Prepare a charcoal fire or heat the broiler. Pierce eggplants here and there with the point of a paring knife. Place eggplants 2 inches from heat source. Allow skins to blister and char, turning with tongs until entire surface is blackened and eggplants are completely soft, about 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
  • Slice eggplants in half lengthwise and lay skin side down on a cutting board. Carefully scrape away flesh with a knife and put it in a colander. Discard burned skins. Do not rinse eggplant flesh - a few bits of remaining char is fine. Salt flesh lightly and leave for 5 to 10 minutes, then squeeze into a ball to remove liquid.
  • Blitz eggplant, 1/2 teaspoon salt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and cayenne in a food processor or blender to obtain a creamy purée. (For a more rustic spread, beat with a whisk instead.) Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice if necessary. Transfer mixture to a shallow serving bowl.
  • Just before serving, stir together cumin and olive oil, and spoon over the mixture's surface. Sprinkle with paprika, parsley and mint. Serve with warm pita cut into triangles if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 157, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 423 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

SMOKY EGGPLANT AND YOGURT SALAD



Smoky Eggplant and Yogurt Salad image

This is a very simple, healthy and elegant salad that is inspired by Indian cooking. The smoking though not necessary is highly recommended. It can be served with any lean piece of grilled meat, poultry or fish.

Provided by YAKUTA

Categories     Vegetable Salads

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 medium eggplant, cubed
½ cup water
1 ½ cups plain yogurt
1 bunch green onions, chopped
½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
salt to taste
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon margarine

Steps:

  • In a pot over medium heat, add the eggplant and water; cook until tender and the water evaporates. Mash the eggplant so no large chunks remain. Allow to cool completely.
  • In a large bowl, add the yogurt, mashed eggplant, green onions, cilantro, pepper and salt; mix well.
  • To smoke the salad, heat one piece charcoal over open flame until gray and reddish in color. Place a small square of aluminum foil in the eggplant salad (make room in the center for the foil). Place the hot charcoal on the piece of foil in the bowl. Add the margarine on top of the charcoal and cover salad bowl immediately. Allow to smoke for 10 minutes; remove charcoal.
  • Chill the salad in the refrigerator and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and sprinkle of paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 128.5 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Cholesterol 11.9 mg, Fat 6 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 88.1 mg, Sugar 8.4 g

Tips:

  • To select the best eggplants, look for ones that are firm and have a deep purple color. Avoid eggplants that have blemishes or wrinkles.
  • If you don't have a grill, you can roast the eggplants in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly charred.
  • To make the yogurt sauce, use a thick, plain yogurt. Greek yogurt is a good option.
  • If you want a spicier salad, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the yogurt sauce.
  • This salad can be served as a main course or a side dish. It's also a great way to use up leftover roasted eggplant.

Conclusion:

Smoky eggplant and yogurt salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. The smoky flavor of the eggplant pairs perfectly with the creamy yogurt sauce. This salad is also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give this salad a try.

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