Roasted Eggplant Salad with Capers and Onions

Roasted Eggplant Salad
with Capers and Onions

Melitzanosalata Me Kapari Kai Kremmydia
Makes 6 to 8 servings

Roasted eggplant spreads and salads come in many variations throughout Greece and are usually embellished with local flavor. In the North, yogurt is often added to the eggplants, for example, throughout the Cyclades, it is the ubiquitous caper and tomato that season this delicious dish.

Ingredients:
3 large eggplants, roasted (see book)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
1/4 cup small, preferably Greek capers, rinsed and drained
1 large firm, ripe tomato, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, or more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash and pat dry the eggplants. Roast them whole over an open flame on top of the stove or under the broiler, turning, until the skins are charred on all sides. (This may also be done on a grill.) Remove and let cool slightly.

2. Have a large bowl with the olive oil ready. Cut the eggplants open lengthwise and remove as many of the seeds as possible. Scoop out the roasted eggplant pulp and place it in a bowl with the olive oil. Salt lightly. with a fork and knife, cut the eggplant so that it is chunky. Add the onion, garlic, capers, tomato, and parsley and mix with a fork to combine well. Add the vinegar and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and vinegar if desired.

Buy the Book!

The Glorious Foods of Greece
By Diane Kochilas
Morrow Cookbooks, March 2001
Hardcover, $59.95
ISBN: 0-688-15457-3
Recipe reprinted by permission.