Sri Lankan Spiced Aubergine Salad
This vibrant and zesty Sri Lankan Spiced Aubergine Salad brings the flavors of Sri Lanka to your table. Featuring golden-fried aubergines, fresh vegetables, and a hint of the ocean from maldive fish, this salad is a delightful combination of tastes and textures. The zesty lime juice enhances the natural sweetness of the aubergines, making it a refreshing dish perfect as a starter or a light accompaniment to your main course. Enjoy a slice of Sri Lankan culinary tradition with every bite.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Aubergines
2 (cut into long strips)
Onions
2 (sliced)
Tomatoes
2 (sliced)
Green Chilies
2 (sliced)
Lime
1 (juiced)
Maldive Fish
2 (teaspoons)
Instructions
1
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2
Add the aubergine strips to the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown on all sides. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
3
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the aubergines to a plate lined with clean paper napkins to drain any excess oil.
4
In a large salad bowl, combine the fried aubergines, sliced onions, sliced tomatoes, sliced green chilies, and maldive fish.
5
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salad mixture to enhance the flavors.
6
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well mixed, ensuring the lime juice coats every element.
7
Serve the salad immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sri Lankan Spiced Aubergine Salad?
It is a vibrant and zesty dish featuring golden-fried aubergines, fresh vegetables, and a hint of the ocean from Maldive fish.
How many aubergines are required for this recipe?
You will need two aubergines cut into long strips.
How should the aubergines be prepared?
The aubergines should be cut into long strips and fried until they are golden brown on all sides.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
It is best served immediately after assembly to maintain the texture of the fried aubergines and fresh vegetables.
What is Maldive fish?
Maldive fish is cured, dried tuna that is a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, providing a unique savory and salty flavor.
How much Maldive fish is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for two teaspoons of Maldive fish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the Maldive fish to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What type of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for two sliced onions; typically red onions are used in Sri Lankan salads for their color and mild flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve four people.
How do I prevent the aubergines from being too oily?
After frying, transfer the aubergines to a plate lined with clean paper napkins to drain any excess oil.
What role does lime juice play in the recipe?
Lime juice enhances the natural sweetness of the aubergines and adds a zesty, refreshing finish to the salad.
Are the tomatoes cooked in this dish?
No, the sliced tomatoes are added fresh to the salad bowl to provide a juicy contrast to the fried aubergine.
How many green chilies are included?
The recipe uses two sliced green chilies for a hint of heat.
What is the best way to fry the aubergines?
Heat oil over medium heat and fry the strips in batches to ensure they don't overcrowd the pan and become soggy.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
While lime is traditional for its specific acidity, lemon can be used as a substitute if lime is unavailable.
Is this salad considered a healthy dish?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy as it features fresh vegetables and can be a light accompaniment to a meal.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
How do I mix the salad?
Gently toss the fried aubergines, onions, tomatoes, chilies, Maldive fish, and lime juice together until well combined.
Can I store the leftovers for later?
For the best taste and texture, it is recommended to serve this salad immediately.
What should I serve with Sri Lankan Spiced Aubergine Salad?
It works perfectly as a starter or a light side dish alongside a main course of rice and curry.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are six main ingredients: aubergines, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, lime, and Maldive fish.
Should I peel the aubergines?
The recipe suggests cutting them into strips; keeping the skin on helps the strips maintain their shape during frying.
What is the texture of the dish?
The salad offers a combination of golden-fried, soft aubergines and crisp, fresh raw vegetables.
Can I bake the aubergines instead of frying?
While traditional, you can bake them with a light coating of oil for a lower-fat version, though the texture will differ.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat depending on the spice level of the two green chilies used.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
Naturally, the ingredients in this salad are gluten-free.
How long does it take to fry the aubergines?
Fry them over medium heat until they achieve a consistent golden brown color on all sides.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead?
Yes, halved cherry tomatoes can be a great substitute for sliced regular tomatoes.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, Sri Lankan, vegetarian option, light dish, aubergine, and healthy.
Is this a traditional Sri Lankan recipe?
Yes, it utilizes traditional Sri Lankan flavors like Maldive fish, lime, and fried aubergine.