Name: Melitzanosalata (Greek - Appetizer )
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: Eggplant - 2 (2); Garlic - 2 cloves (2 cloves); Lemon juice - 3 tbsp (3 tbsp); Olive oil - 1/4 cup (1/4 cup); Salt - to taste (to taste); Pepper - to taste (to taste); Parsley - for garnish (for garnish)

Menu: Different Food Styles or browse Other Greek Recipes

Melitzanosalata (Greek - Appetizer) Recipe

Melitzanosalata is a traditional Greek eggplant dip made with roasted or grilled eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It has a creamy texture and a smoky flavor that pairs well with warm pita bread or as a spread on sandwiches. Melitzanosalata provides a unique and delicious addition to any Greek appetizer spread.

Ingredients:

Eggplant - 2 lbs (2)
Garlic - 2 cloves
Lemon juice - 3 tbsp
Olive oil - 1/4 cup
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste
Parsley - for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pierce the eggplants with a fork several times. This will prevent them from exploding in the oven.
Place the eggplants on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until they are tender and collapsing.
Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool. Once cooled, peel off the skin and discard.
Chop the roasted eggplant flesh and transfer it to a colander. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to drain any excess liquid.
In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted eggplant, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Season the dip with salt and pepper to taste. Add more lemon juice or olive oil if desired.
Transfer the Melitzanosalata to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve the dip at room temperature with warm pita bread or use it as a spread on sandwiches.

More Greek Recipes

Gemista

Tomatoes, peppers, or other vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Baked until tender, Gemista is a delightful vegetarian main course.

Papoutsakia Santorini

Papoutsakia Santorini is a variation of the traditional papoutsakia dish. It features roasted eggplant halves filled with a mix of ground meat, onions, spices, and topped with a generous layer of cheese and tomato sauce.

Karidopita me Meli

Karidopita me Meli is a luscious Greek walnut cake made with honey and topped with a thick layer of honey glaze.

Pites

Pites, or Greek savory pies, are a popular main course option in Greece. They come in various flavors and fillings, such as Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), Tiropita (cheese pie), and Kotopita (chicken pie). Pites are made with layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with a flavorful mixture and baked until golden and delicious.

Loukaniko

Loukaniko is a traditional Greek sausage made with pork, flavored with herbs and spices such as orange peel, fennel seeds, and oregano. It is usually grilled and served as a flavorful appetizer.

Fancy Something Else?

Modak

A sweet dumpling made with rice flour or wheat flour, stuffed with a sweet filling made of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. Modak is a popular dessert, especially during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Beef Chow Fun

Wide rice noodles stir-fried with tender beef slices, bean sprouts, scallions, and soy sauce. It's a classic Cantonese dish with a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

Cochinita Pibil Torta

A Mexican-style sandwich filled with tender and flavorful slow-roasted pork (cochinita pibil), pickled onions, and avocado slices. It's a delicious and satisfying handheld meal.

Chicken 555

Spicy and crispy fried chicken dish made with marinated chicken, spices, and curry leaves. Chicken 555 is a popular appetizer and snack, especially in South Indian cuisine.

Shahi Paneer

A rich and creamy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) curry made with a blend of spices, nuts, and cream. Shahi paneer is a regal and indulgent main course option that is often served with naan or rice.

Zaru Soba

Cold buckwheat noodles served on a bamboo mat (zaru) with a dipping sauce, along with toppings such as sliced green onions and grated daikon radish. Zaru Soba is a refreshing and light Japanese main course, perfect for hot summer days.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

A traditional Roman pasta dish made with egg, hard cheese, guanciale (or pancetta), and black pepper. The creamy sauce is made without cream, just the eggs and cheese.

Thong Ake

Thong Ake is a traditional Thai dessert made from egg yolks, sugar, and flour. The ingredients are mixed together and then piped into intricate shapes, resembling flowers or small birds. The delicate creations are deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Thong Ake is often enjoyed as a decorative and edible centerpiece during special occasions or celebrations.