Greek Salad recipe: Melitzanosalata
Melitzanosalata
In Greece, the olive factor is apt to be the type this country has made famous -- the Calamatas. This meaty, pointed variety, found in the Calamata area, is marinated in olive oil, vinegar and oregano until it develops a characteristically savory flavor.
This becomes an essential of such Greek specialties as roasted eggplant salad (Melitzanosalata). In this, eggplants are first roasted until evenly charred, then baked until the meat is cooked, and then peeled. In a food processor, the meat is blended until smooth with pitted Calamata olives, onions, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic, parsley, oregano, mint, dill weed and yogurt. Some recipes also call for cinnamon and all-spice. The smooth mix is served as a salad dip with pita bread.
Ingredients according Greek Salad recipe:
2 large eggplants
1 clove garlic, peeled and mashed
1 medium-sized onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon each dried thyme and basil
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, preferably Greek
"agoureleo" type
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Kalamata Olives, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons capers
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 large ripe tomato, peeled and finely diced
Greek Salad recipe Directions:
Pierce eggplants with a fork in several places, set them in a shallow dish, and bake at 350 degrees until the eggplant loses its shape, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. When cool enough to handle, peel eggplants and coarsely chop the flesh. Place in a serving bowl and add garlic, onion, parsley, herbs and sufficient olive oil to moisten the mixture. Mash with a fork. Add vinegar, olives, capers, salt and pepper and blend thoroughly. Stir in the tomato. Chill until needed, but bring to room temperature before serving.
Original Greek Salad recipe yield: 3 servings
Some tips for making superior Melitzanosalata:
The slow roasting of eggplants contributes to the faintly smoky taste to this delicious spread, ideal with a coarse peasant bread or as a dip for vegetables.
Familiar eggplant spread (melitzanosalata) is quite garlicky and good.
Duplicate Greek Salad recipe at home and be different.
AllGreekSalads.com suggests to look out best Greek Salad recipe for everyone:
