Savory Russian Eggplant Spread
Dive into the rich and smoky flavors of traditional Russian Eggplant Spread (often known as Eggplant Caviar). This delightful recipe features roasted eggplant blended with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a touch of sweetness from powdered sugar. Perfect as a spread on crusty black bread, this dish embodies comfort and culinary heritage. Serve it chilled for a refreshing bite, and enjoy a taste of Russian cuisine in the comfort of your home.
8
Servings
20
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 large (Baked, cooled, skinned, and minced finely)
Vinegar
1 teaspoon (None)
Onion
1 large (Minced)
Tomato Paste
5 tablespoons (None)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Bell Pepper
1 (Seeded and minced)
Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon (None)
Salt
to taste (None)
Black Pepper
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven and bake the large eggplant until it is soft. Allow it to cool completely before peeling off the skin, then mince it finely.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until the onion becomes golden brown and translucent.
3
Once the onions are browned, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet along with the tomato paste. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4
Next, stir in the vinegar, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, and the finely minced eggplant. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
5
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the mixture slowly for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture appears to stick or burn, feel free to add a little more oil.
6
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the spread cool to room temperature.
7
Transfer the cooled mixture to the refrigerator to chill for several hours or overnight for the best flavor.
8
Serve the Russian Eggplant Spread cold, spread generously on slices of crusty black bread. For an extra touch, add fresh chopped onions on top or a pat of butter.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
0.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Russian Eggplant Spread?
It is a rich and smoky traditional dish, also known as Eggplant Caviar, made with roasted eggplant, onions, and bell peppers.
What are the alternative names for this recipe?
This dish is commonly known as Eggplant Caviar in Russian cuisine.
How many calories are in a serving of this spread?
There are 20 calories per serving.
Is the Savory Russian Eggplant Spread vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and healthy.
How do I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
Bake the eggplant until soft, let it cool completely, peel off the skin, and then mince it finely.
What type of bread is recommended for serving?
It is best served generously on slices of crusty black bread.
Should this spread be served hot or cold?
It should be served cold after being chilled in the refrigerator.
How long does the mixture need to cook on low heat?
The mixture should be cooked slowly for 30 minutes once all ingredients are combined.
What is the purpose of adding powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is added to provide a touch of sweetness that balances the savory and smoky flavors.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What kind of oil is used in the preparation?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for sautéing and simmering.
How much fat is contained in one serving?
Each serving contains 1g of fat.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this dish?
There are 2.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this eggplant spread?
Each serving contains 0.4g of protein.
How is the onion prepared?
The onion should be minced and sautéed until it is golden brown and translucent.
What should I do if the mixture sticks to the pan while cooking?
You can add a little more oil if the mixture appears to stick or burn during the slow cooking process.
What role does tomato paste play in the recipe?
Tomato paste is simmered with the sautéed vegetables for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Can I add toppings to the spread?
Yes, you can add fresh chopped onions or a pat of butter on top for extra flavor.
How long should the spread be refrigerated?
It should be chilled for several hours or overnight to achieve the best flavor.
What is the preparation for the bell pepper?
The bell pepper should be seeded and minced before sautéing.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vinegar, though the specific variety is not specified.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include russian, eggplant, spread, caviar, vegetarian, appetizer, healthy, savory, and homemade.
Is this dish considered a healthy appetizer?
Yes, with only 20 calories and 1g of fat per serving, it is classified as a healthy appetizer.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven and bake the large eggplant until soft.
How much tomato paste is needed?
You will need 5 tablespoons of tomato paste.
When do you add the salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper are added along with the vinegar, sugar, and minced eggplant before the final slow-cook phase.
Do I need to peel the eggplant before baking?
No, you should bake it whole and peel it only after it has cooled.
What is the texture of the finished spread?
The finished spread should be finely minced and cooked down into a soft, spreadable consistency.
Is this a traditional Russian recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional Russian eggplant spread embodying the region's culinary heritage.
Can I use a small eggplant instead of a large one?
The recipe specifies 1 large eggplant to maintain the correct ratio with the other ingredients for 8 servings.