Salată de Vinete (Moldovan Smoky Eggplant Salad)
Local name: Salată de vinete
In short: Charred eggplant flesh whisked with sunflower oil, finely chopped onion and lemon into a creamy, smoky spread for bread and tomatoes. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 180 kcal
Salată de vinete is the smoky eggplant spread that appears on Moldovan tables from late summer, scooped onto bread with sliced tomatoes. The eggplants are charred over a flame until the skin collapses, peeled, drained and chopped by hand, then beaten with sunflower oil into a pale, fluffy cream. Raw onion adds sharpness, and a splash of lemon brightens it. Cooks traditionally avoid metal knives, which is said to darken the flesh, so use a wooden spoon or fork.
Instructions
- Prick the eggplants and roast them directly over a gas flame or charcoal for 20 to 25 minutes, turning, until the skin is black and the flesh has collapsed. Or roast them at 230°C (450°F) for 45 minutes.
- Cool the eggplants in a covered bowl for 10 minutes, then peel them. Put the flesh in a sieve, press gently and let it drain for 20 minutes.
- Chop the flesh finely with a wooden spoon in a wooden bowl, or mash it with a fork. Avoid a blender, which makes it gray and watery.
- Stir in the onion and salt.
- Add the oil a tablespoon at a time, beating vigorously, until the salad turns pale and creamy. Stir in the lemon juice and pepper.
- Chill for 30 minutes and serve with fresh bread and sliced tomatoes.
Tips
- Drain the flesh well. The bitter juices are what make the salad taste harsh and look dark.
- Use only a small onion. Too much overpowers the smoky flavor of the eggplant.
Questions and answers
How long does eggplant salad keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge in a covered container. Stir it before serving and add a little lemon juice if the flavor has dulled.
Can I roast the eggplants in the oven?
Yes. Roast them whole at 230°C (450°F) for 45 minutes, until completely soft. The flavor is less smoky than flame-roasted, but still good.
Can I add garlic to eggplant salad?
Some families add a little crushed garlic for extra sharpness. The classic Moldovan version uses only eggplant, onion, oil, lemon and salt.
How long does it take to make Salată de Vinete (Moldovan Smoky Eggplant Salad)?
About 1 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Salată de Vinete (Moldovan Smoky Eggplant Salad)?
About 180 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 10 g of carbohydrates and 15 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 180 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
