Grilled Vegetable Salad with Bengali Spices

Ingredients

In this Bengali adaptation of salata mashwiya, we incorporate traditional Bengali spices to infuse the salad with a distinct flavor profile. The original Lebanese dish typically uses Mediterranean spices like sumac and za'atar, whereas our Bengali version incorporates spices such as turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds to add a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Salata mashwiya, so you can check it out.

• 2 large eggplants, sliced (500g) 2 large eggplants, sliced (500g)
• 2 large bell peppers, quartered and deseeded 2 large bell peppers, quartered and deseeded
• 2 large tomatoes, halved 2 large tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, sliced 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (5g) 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (5g)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder (5g) 1 teaspoon cumin powder (5g)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (5g) 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (5g)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (5g) 1 teaspoon red chili powder (5g)
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, turmeric powder, cumin powder, mustard seeds, red chili powder, lemon juice, and salt.
3. 3.
   Brush the eggplant slices, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion with the spice mixture.
4. 4.
   Grill the vegetables until they are charred and tender, turning occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the vegetables from the grill and let them cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Cut the grilled vegetables into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a serving bowl.
7. 7.
   Drizzle any remaining spice mixture over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
9. 9.
   Serve the spiced grilled vegetable salad at room temperature or chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplants — Make sure to slice the eggplants evenly to ensure even grilling.
• Mustard seeds — Toast the mustard seeds in a dry pan before using them to enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added smokiness, you can grill the vegetables over charcoal instead of a gas grill.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
• Serve the salad with a side of warm naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Serving advice

This spiced grilled vegetable salad can be served as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish alongside your favorite Bengali main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, lentil dishes, or even as a topping for rice bowls.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful grilled vegetables on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Drizzle some extra lemon juice over the salad just before serving to enhance the flavors.