Melitzanosalata
Greek Eggplant Dip
A classic Greek appetizer, Melitzanosalata is a smoky and flavorful roasted eggplant dip, distinct from Baba Ghanoush due to its simpler preparation and fewer ingredients. It's typically made with roasted eggplant, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, offering a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 large (about 1.5 lbs / 700g total) Eggplants
- 3-4 cloves Garlic
- 80-120 ml (1/3 to 1/2 cup) Extra virgin olive oil(Use good quality for best flavor)
- 2-3 tbsp Fresh lemon juice(Adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tbsp Fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Roast the Eggplants: Preheat your broiler to high, or prepare a gas burner for direct flame. Place the pricked eggplants directly under the broiler or over the open flame. Turn them frequently using tongs, allowing the skin to char and blister on all sides. The eggplant should become very soft and collapsed, indicating the flesh is cooked through. This process will take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on your heat source. The skin should be blackened and the eggplant should feel tender when squeezed gently with tongs.
⏱️ 30-45 minutes - 2
Cool and Scoop the Flesh: Once the eggplants are thoroughly roasted and soft, carefully remove them from the heat. Place them in a colander set over a bowl to cool slightly and drain any excess liquid. This step is crucial for a thicker, less watery dip. Once cool enough to handle, slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the soft, smoky flesh into the colander. Discard the charred skin. Let the flesh drain for at least 10-15 minutes.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 3
Prepare the Garlic: While the eggplant is draining, you can lightly mince the garlic cloves or pound them into a paste with a pinch of salt using a mortar and pestle. This helps to mellow the raw garlic flavor. Alternatively, you can finely mince them with a knife.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Combine and Mash: Transfer the drained eggplant flesh to a mixing bowl. Add the prepared garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, half of the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Using a fork, mash everything together until well combined and the eggplant is broken down to your desired consistency. For a smoother dip, you can pulse it a few times in a food processor, but avoid over-processing into a paste; a slightly chunky texture is traditional.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the melitzanosalata and adjust the salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil as needed. Stir in the remaining chopped parsley. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle generously with a little extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with more fresh parsley. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, crusty bread, or fresh vegetables.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For maximum smokiness, charring the eggplant over an open gas flame is ideal. If using a broiler, ensure it's on high and rotate the eggplants frequently.
- ✓Draining the eggplant flesh thoroughly is key to achieving a thick, creamy dip. Don't skip this step!
- ✓The garlic can be minced, grated, or even roasted alongside the eggplant for a milder flavor.
- ✓Adjust the lemon juice and olive oil to your personal preference. Some like it tangier, others richer.
- ✓Leftover melitzanosalata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped toasted walnuts for added texture and richness.
- Incorporate finely diced roasted red bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and color.
- A pinch of cumin can be added for a different aromatic profile.