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Homemade Romanian Eggplant Salad (w/ Mayonnaise) photo

Romanian Eggplant Salad (w/ Mayonnaise)

This Romanian Eggplant Salad is creamy and smoky! A delightful blend of roasted eggplant, mayonnaise, and mustard, perfect as a dip or spread.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Romanian

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large Eggplants
  • 1 Egg Yolk
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 100-120 ml Sunflower Oil
  • 1 small Onion or two green onions to taste

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Roast the Eggplants - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the eggplants a few times with a fork to prevent them from bursting. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. You can also grill the eggplants for an added smoky flavor.
  2. Step 2: Cool and Peel - Once roasted, remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool down for about 10 minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin. The flesh should be soft and easy to scoop out.
  3. Step 3: Mash the Eggplant - In a mixing bowl, add the roasted eggplant flesh and mash it with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You want a creamy consistency, so take your time with this step.
  4. Step 4: Prepare the Mayonnaise Sauce - In another bowl, combine the egg yolk, mustard, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended. Gradually add the sunflower oil in a thin stream while continuing to whisk vigorously. This will help emulsify the mixture and create a creamy mayonnaise.
  5. Step 5: Combine Everything - Once your mayonnaise is ready, add it to the mashed eggplant. Finely chop the onion (or green onions) and mix it in. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Step 6: Chill and Serve - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve with crusty bread or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

  • To reduce bitterness, sprinkle eggplants with salt and let sit for 30 minutes before roasting.
  • For creaminess, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the mayonnaise mixture.
  • Store in an airtight container; it lasts 3-5 days in the fridge.