South African Roasted Eggplant Salad Recipes

SOUTH AFRICAN - ROASTED EGGPLANT SALAD

Steps:

• To roast the eggplants, preheat a charcoal or gas grill or a broiler.
• Roast the eggplants, turning as needed, until the skin is charred on all sides, the time will vary depending on the cooking method you use.
• The eggplant is cooked when it is soft and looks somewhat deflated.
• Place the eggplant on a plate to cool.
• Trim and seed the red pepper, then cut into 1/4-inch dice.
• Cut the cucumber lengthwise in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and cut into ¼-inch dice.
• Peel and finely chop the onion.
• Peel and finely chop the garlic.
• Once the eggplant is cool enough to handle, remove as much of the skin as possible along with any large dark seeds.
• Cut the eggplant into 1-inch squares and place it in a colander in the sink or over a bowl for 5 to 10 minutes to allow excess liquid to drain, set aside until needed.
• Transfer the eggplant to a serving dish and add the red pepper, cucumber, onion and garlic.
• Stir in the olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
• Serve immediately or the salt will draw out too much moister from the vegetables.

ROASTED EGGPLANT SALAD

Steps:

• Heat broiler. Prick eggplants several times with the tip of a knife. Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat, turning occasionally, until soft and charred all over, about 30 minutes. When cool enough to handle, remove skin. Place eggplants in a colander set over a bowl; let drain for at least 30 minutes.
• Halve eggplants lengthwise; discard seeds. Chop flesh finely, and place in a bowl.
• Combine vinegar, lemon juice, olive and vegetable oils, onion, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add to eggplant; mix to combine. Serve at room temperature sprinkled with chopped mint and parsley.

MOROCCAN EGGPLANT SALAD

Steps:

• Toast cumin in a dry 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and dark brown (be careful not to burn). Cool, then grind to a powder in grinder.
• Pan-roast whole eggplant in skillet over medium heat, turning frequently with tongs, until blackened and tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer to a cutting board and cut off and discard stem. Scrape flesh from skin and coarsely chop. Toss with onion, vinegar, sugar, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1/2 teaspoon toasted cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Serve in a shallow bowl drizzled with remaining tablespoon oil and sprinkled with remaining tablespoon parsley and toasted cumin.