Irish-inspired Eggplant Caviar

Ingredients

In this Irish adaptation, we replace the traditional Polish spices with Irish herbs such as thyme and parsley. Additionally, we incorporate yogurt for a creamy texture and a touch of lemon for a refreshing twist. These changes infuse the dish with the flavors commonly found in Irish cuisine, giving it a unique and delightful taste. We alse have the original recipe for Kawior z bakłażana, so you can check it out.

• 2 large eggplants (aubergines) 2 large eggplants (aubergines)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Pierce the eggplants several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
3. 3.
   Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel off the charred skin and discard.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, mash the roasted eggplant flesh with a fork or blend it in a food processor until smooth.
5. 5.
   Add the olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the mashed eggplant. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Transfer the eggplant caviar to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve chilled with Irish soda bread or use it as a spread on sandwiches.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplants — Make sure to pierce the eggplants with a fork before roasting to prevent them from bursting in the oven.
• Yogurt — Use plain yogurt without any added flavors or sweeteners for the best results.
• Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for a vibrant and tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can grill the eggplants instead of roasting them in the oven.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for an extra pop of color.
• Serve the eggplant caviar with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Emerald Isle Eggplant Delight as a dip with freshly baked Irish soda bread or as a spread on sandwiches. It also pairs well with crisp vegetable sticks or crackers.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley to add a touch of elegance. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter to showcase the vibrant green color of the caviar.