Moroccan Grilled Eggplant Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
This stunning Moroccan-style Grilled Eggplant Salad, known as Braniya, is a celebration of flavors and textures. With the deep, smoky essence of perfectly browned eggplants and the sweet, savory mix of onions and green bell peppers, each bite is a delightful experience. Seasoned with traditional spices and fresh herbs, this dish is best when allowed to marinate for at least 6 hours, enriching the flavors and creating a dish that's nothing short of irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or as a vibrant side dish, this salad embodies the spirit of Moroccan cuisine and is sure to impress family and friends. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best taste!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 lbs (Peeled and cubed)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (For browning)
Sweet White Onion
3/4 cup (Grated)
Green Bell Pepper
1/2 cup (Very finely minced)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Crushed)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Sweet Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Fresh Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional name for Moroccan Grilled Eggplant Salad?
This traditional Moroccan dish is known as Braniya.
What are the primary flavors in Moroccan Grilled Eggplant Salad?
The salad features deep, smoky eggplant flavors combined with sweet onions, green bell peppers, and a tangy lemon herb dressing.
How long should the Moroccan Eggplant Salad marinate?
For the best results and enriched flavors, the salad should marinate for at least 6 hours.
Is this Moroccan Eggplant Salad recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
Can I serve this salad at room temperature?
Yes, the salad is best served either chilled or at room temperature.
How many pounds of eggplant are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of eggplants.
How should the eggplants be prepared?
The eggplants should be peeled and cubed before cooking.
What kind of oil is used for browning the eggplant?
Two tablespoons of vegetable oil are used for browning the eggplant cubes.
What type of onion is recommended for Braniya?
A sweet white onion is used for this recipe.
How should the onion be processed for the salad?
The sweet white onion should be grated, providing 3/4 cup of grated onion.
What is the preparation method for the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be very finely minced.
How much garlic is used in this eggplant salad?
The recipe uses 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What provides the acidity in the salad dressing?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons) provides the characteristic tang.
Which spices are included in the Moroccan seasoning?
The salad is seasoned with ground sweet paprika, fresh black pepper, and salt.
Why is sugar added to the Moroccan Eggplant Salad?
A small amount of sugar (1 teaspoon) is added to taste to balance the savory and tangy elements.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 10 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
What category of dish does Moroccan Eggplant Salad fall into?
It is categorized as a salad, side dish, and specifically a grilled vegetable dish.
What is the texture of the eggplant in this dish?
The eggplant has a smoky essence and is browned until it achieves a soft, flavorful consistency.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, because it requires marination and is served chilled, it is an excellent make-ahead salad.
Can I use ground paprika instead of sweet paprika?
The recipe specifically calls for sweet paprika to provide a traditional Moroccan flavor profile.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but it should be adjusted to taste.
How much green bell pepper is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of very finely minced green bell pepper.
What kind of pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground fresh black pepper.
What is the best way to serve this at a party?
Serve it in a vibrant bowl as a side dish, ideally after it has had time to marinate and develop flavor.
Does the eggplant need to be grilled?
The name implies grilling, but the preparation instructions mention browning them in vegetable oil.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to the use of fresh vegetables and olive oil alternative.
What is the main entity of this recipe?
The main entity is the Moroccan Grilled Eggplant Salad, also known as Braniya.
Can I substitute lemon juice with vinegar?
While the recipe calls for lemon juice for an authentic taste, vinegar could provide acidity but may change the flavor profile.
What makes this dish distinctively Moroccan?
The combination of browning eggplant, grated sweet onion, garlic, and sweet paprika is classic in Moroccan cuisine.