Eggplant Spread Recipe (2024)

This eggplant spread is one that can make practicallyanyone fall in love with eggplant! This creamy, roasted dip can be enjoyed in so many ways—it’s truly a versatile, healthy dish.

If you are ready to enjoy even more eggplant, you will also love Ikra, my eggplant caviar spread. Plus, you’ve got to taste this grilled eggplant made in a sweet chili garlic sauce!

Eggplant Spread Recipe (1)

Eggplant Spread Recipe

Let’s be honest: eggplant is definitely not a vegetable that many people call a favorite. A lot of people think they don’t like the vegetable, just because they have either never tried it, or they never tried it in this particular eggplant spread recipe.

The good news is, this eggplant spread recipe that will convert practically anyone to an eggplant lover! I have not had one person try it and say that they don’t like it, on the contrary, people who thought they hated eggplant were seriously surprised that it tasted this good.

The “secret” to making an eggplant taste fantastic is to remove the bitter flavor. This is easily done by draining out the excess liquid after the vegetable is roasted and peeled. I find it easiest to place the eggplant in a colander, then adding a plate on top. Next, place something heavy on top of the plate so that there is a weight pressing down on the eggplant. Leave it to drain for about an hour. Trust me, this will make a HUGE difference!

Eggplant Spread Recipe (2)

Make-Ahead Roasted Eggplant Spread

I like this roasted eggplant spread so much that I actually can/preserve peeled roasted eggplants when they are in season. This way, anytime I want this spread, I just open the jar, add some sautéed onions and I’ve got myself an appetizer.

This comes really handy when you have unexpected visitors. You can also pass this around at the party, while you’re finishing up on your dinner preparations.

How to Make Eggplant Spread

For detailed recipe instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Roast the eggplant, turning it halfway so both sides are evenly cooked.
  • Peel the eggplant. To make this easy, place the roasted eggplant in a bowl. Then, cover with saran wrap and a layer of aluminum foil.
  • Press the eggplant and drain out the extra liquid to remove any bitter flavor. After, chop the eggplant.
  • Meanwhile, sautee onions, then add the onions along with the rest of the ingredients to the eggplant.
  • Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve this Dish

This dish is highly versatile and you will find many pairings that work well with it. A few of my favorites include roasted peppers, feta cheese, bacon bits, or sliced eggs. Sliced tomatoes also work well when they are in season.

I enjoy this spread best when it is spread over a freshly baked baguette. However you eat it, you’ll be sure to love this veggie dish!

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe with precise ingredient amounts.

Check out these other great Appetizer recipes:

Eggplant Spread

Eggplant Spread Recipe (3)

Thiseggplant spreadis one that can make practicallyanyonefall in love with eggplant! This creamy, roasted dip can be enjoyed in so many ways—it's truly a versatile, healthy dish.

Author: Marina | Let the Baking Begin

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian

Keyword: eggplant spread

Calories: 88 kcal

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1large eggplant
  • 1large onionpeeled, cubed
  • 2tbspmayonnaise
  • 1garlic cloveminced (or powdered garlic)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the eggplant into a roasting pan lined with foil and bake it at 350F for an hour, turning it over so that each side is baked throughout (at the end of the oven, it should be pretty soft when pressed).

  2. Put the eggplant in a bowl and cover with plastic and then foil. This will help with peeling the eggplant.

  3. Peel the eggplant, removing the stem and the outer skin.

  4. Place it in a colander, put a plate on top, then some kind of weight on top of the plate, letting the liquid drain (the liquid contains the bitterness) for about an hour.

  5. Meanwhile, sauté the onion in some olive oil, over medium heat until golden.

  6. After the liquid has been drained, finely chop the eggplant and place it in a bowl.

  7. Add browned onions, leaving out the oil; minced/powdered garlic, mayo, salt, pepper and mix together.

  8. Serve on a fresh sliced baguette, sprinkled with some feta cheese/bacon bits/sliced egg and sliced tomatoes as an appetizer.

  9. Will keep in the fridge tightly covered for up to 3 days.

Recipe Notes

For healthier version of this spread, substituting mayo for olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

Eggplant Spread

Amount Per Serving

Calories 88Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 3mg1%

Sodium 47mg2%

Potassium 302mg9%

Carbohydrates 10g3%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 25IU1%

Vitamin C 4.8mg6%

Calcium 17mg2%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Eggplant Spread Recipe (4)

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Eggplant Spread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you get the most flavor out of eggplant? ›

Brining adds flavor and texture to eggplants. "Mix spices and salt with water, then soak sliced eggplant in the brine for 30 minutes before cooking.

What is the secret to tender eggplant? ›

The other trick for perfect roasted eggplant? Cooking it at a high temperature (425 F / 218 C) for enough time (25-30 minutes) to give it a browned exterior and tender interior. Just look at those cubed purple beauties! & Super snack-able!

What is the difference between Mutabal and baba ganoush? ›

The principle difference is the tahini – the sesame purée, but there are others. In Moutabbal, tahini is mixed with the smoked aubergine to create a paste-like dip served with warmed or crispy bread. In Baba Ghanoush, no tahini is used and the smoked aubergine is mixed with onions, tomatoes and other vegetables.

How do you make eggplant taste better? ›

But, despite the drama surrounding eggplant and its gross, bland, bitterness, it is possible to make this vegetable taste good. (Fact check: eggplant is technically a berry -*eye roll*.) All you need is some umami-loaded oyster sauce, a little sesame oil, and a generous drizzle of sambal oelek.

What happens if you don't salt eggplant before cooking? ›

Older recipes call for salting eggplant to draw out the bitter juices, but today's eggplants are less bitter (unless very large), so salting is largely unnecessary. It will, however, help the spongy flesh absorb less oil and crisp up like a dream.

Do you always peel eggplant before cooking? ›

While the skin of a small young eggplant is edible, the skin becomes bitter on larger or older eggplants and should be peeled. When in doubt, the answer to, "Do you peel eggplant before cooking?" is yes, peel it. Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin.

Which is more fattening hummus or baba ganoush? ›

When it comes to the nutritional contents of baba ganoush and hummus, they are pretty similar. Both have 0% cholesterol and are high in fiber and protein content. Nonetheless, hummus has higher calorie content than baba ganoush, and baba ganoush contains vitamins B and E, which are nonexistent in hummus.

What is baba ganoush slang for? ›

The word combination is also interpreted as 'father of coquetry' or 'indulged/pampered/flirtatious daddy' or 'spoiled old daddy'.

Do the Greeks eat baba ganoush? ›

Baba Ghanoush is eaten in many Middle Eastern countries such as Syria, Lebanon and extending as far as the territorial reach of the Ottoman empire. But Baba Ghanoush also is big in Brazil and West India. Romanians and Greeks also consume the appetizer.

What is the best way to prepare eggplant? ›

Eggplants can be grilled, steamed, braised, stir-fried, deep-fried and roasted. For a smoky flavour, turn whole eggplants over an open flame on the barbecue or stovetop until the skin is charred, then scoop out the flesh. Choose eggplants with smooth and shiny skin that is even across the surface.

How to remove bitterness from eggplant without salt? ›

If you don't want to lose time by salting or soaking, you can always just cut away the seeds. The seeds tend to hold in most of the bitterness, and older eggplants can have a whole lot of seeds. Cut away the inner core of seeds and it should mitigate the bitterness.

References

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