Melitzanosalata recipe (Greek Eggplant dip) – Tips

When preparing this traditional Greek melitzanosalata recipe, make sure you use some fresh aubergines and give them enough time to bake until soft and cooked throughout. If rushed, the aubergines can be quite bitter and the aubergine skin will not have had a chance to infuse the flesh with its light, smoky flavor.

Baking the eggplants will take about 50-60 minutes, depending on the size of the eggplants, so if you are in a rush you can bake them sliced (as explained in the recipe below).

For a different twist to this traditional Greek melitzanosalata recipe, try adding some crumbled feta (50-60g/2oz), which will give it a creamier look and a more intense, salty, Mediterranean flavour.

For the traditional Greek melitzanosalata recipe, the eggplants are added either diced, which gives more homely touch or all the ingredients are pulsed together, until smooth and creamy. Both alternatives are delicious, so it’s up to you to decide!

This traditional Greek eggplant dip (melitzanosalata) is best served with some crusty bread or homemade pitas and also as part of a meze platter with some spicy feta cheese dip. Enjoy!

Melitzanosalata recipe (Traditional Greek Eggplant dip)

 
  • Prep Time: 10 min
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  •  Cook Time: 60 min
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  •  Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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  •  Yield: 8 portions 1x
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  •  Category: Dips
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  •  Method: Baked
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  •  Cuisine: Greek
 

Description

Capture the essence of Greek cooking with this traditional Greek melitzanosalata (eggplant dip) recipe. This is the simplest, no fuss version of the traditional Greek melitzanosalata recipe with only three very simple, straightforward steps to follow.

Ingredients

  • 4 large purple eggplants
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 125 ml olive oil (1/2 cup)
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice
  • sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. To prepare this super easy melitzanosalata recipe (Greek eggplant dip), start by baking the eggplants in a preheated oven at 200C. You could either bake them whole or sliced in half length-wise, depending on how much time you’ve got to bake them. If you choose to bake them whole, use a fork to make some wholes on the aubergines, place on a tray and bake for about 1 hour.
  2. For this melitzanosalata recipe you need to use only the flesh of the eggplants. Peel the eggplants and dice the pulp.
  3. Place the pulp and the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and vigorously mix with a wooden spoon. (If you prefer your melitzanosalata to have a creamier texture, then add the ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse, adding the olive oil gradually on a steady stream. Alternatively mash the eggplants using a fork). Let the melitzanosalata (Greek eggplant dip) cool down and put in the fridge to allow the flavours to mingle.
  4. Serve the melitzanosalata in a small bowl garnished with a whole black olive. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 201kcal
  • Sugar: 10.2g
  • Sodium: 297.4mg
  • Fat: 15.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12.4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17.5g
  • Fiber: 8.4g
  • Protein: 2.9g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg