Mediterranean Eggplant Caviar
This Mediterranean Eggplant Caviar is a delightful and wholesome addition to any meal. Brimming with rich flavors from grilled eggplant, sweet bell peppers, and fresh garlic, this versatile dish can be served as a dip with crusty bread or as a vibrant side salad. Often referred to as Baklazhanovaya Ikra in Russian cuisine, it's perfect for summertime barbecues or winter gatherings alike. Healthy and easy to prepare, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Best served chilled, it makes a refreshing accompaniment to roasted meats, fish, or enjoyed by the spoonful on its own.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggplant
1 (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
medium tomatoes
2 (diced (or 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, halved))
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
large yellow onion
1 (chopped)
diced tomatoes (canned)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (unsalted, with basil, garlic, and oregano)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
fresh garlic cloves
5 (minced)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Eggplant Caviar?
It is a flavorful and wholesome vegetable dish made from grilled eggplant, bell peppers, and fresh garlic, often served as a dip or side salad.
What is the Russian name for this dish?
This dish is often referred to as Baklazhanovaya Ikra in Russian cuisine.
Is Mediterranean Eggplant Caviar vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and focuses entirely on vegetable ingredients.
Can I serve this dish as a dip?
Yes, it is excellent when served as a dip with crusty bread.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as a vibrant side salad or accompaniment to main courses.
Should Mediterranean Eggplant Caviar be served hot or cold?
This dish is best served chilled for a refreshing flavor.
How many eggplants are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one large eggplant.
How should I prepare the eggplant?
The eggplant should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes before preparation.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You can use two medium tomatoes diced, or two handfuls of halved cherry tomatoes.
Does this recipe use canned tomatoes?
Yes, it includes one 14.5 ounce can of unsalted diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses five fresh minced garlic cloves.
What kind of pepper is used?
One chopped green bell pepper is used in this recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What type of onion is recommended?
One large yellow onion, chopped, is recommended.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Common tags include eggplant, aubergine, caviar, salad, dip, and Mediterranean.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Yes, it is perfect for summertime barbecues.
Can I serve this in the winter?
Yes, it is a versatile dish suitable for winter gatherings as well.
What proteins does this pair well with?
It is a great accompaniment to roasted meats and fish.
Can I eat it by itself?
Yes, it can be enjoyed by the spoonful on its own.
Is the eggplant grilled in this recipe?
The description mentions the rich flavors come from grilled eggplant.
Does it contain any preservatives?
When made with fresh ingredients and unsalted canned tomatoes, it is a fresh and natural dish.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is described as easy to prepare.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size is not listed, but it is intended as a multi-serving dip or side.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the vegetable ingredients, this dish is naturally cholesterol-free.
Are the canned tomatoes seasoned?
Yes, the recipe suggests canned tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, though you should check labels on canned items.
Why is it called 'caviar'?
The term 'eggplant caviar' refers to the finely chopped texture of the vegetables, resembling the appearance of caviar.