The Real Melitzanosalata

Experience the authentic taste of the Mediterranean with "The Real Melitzanosalata," a creamy and smoky Greek eggplant dip that will elevate any meal. This traditional recipe highlights the natural flavor of roasted eggplants, enhanced by the perfect balance of zesty lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and a drizzle of rich extra virgin olive oil. A touch of red wine vinegar adds a delicate tang, while fresh parsley and optional crumbled feta bring vibrant color and texture to the dish. With just 10 minutes of prep and a handful of wholesome ingredients, this easy dip is perfect as a spread for warm pita, a side to grilled meats, or part of a meze platter. Savor the culinary essence of Greece with this versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole large eggplants
• 2 small garlic cloves
• 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 5 ml red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 15 g flat-leaf parsley
• 30 g optional crumbled feta cheese (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Step 2

Pierce the eggplants several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the whole eggplants directly on the baking sheet.

Step 3

Bake the eggplants in the oven for 30-35 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are soft and their skins are charred.

Step 4

Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin and discard it, leaving the soft flesh.

Step 5

In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the eggplant flesh, garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Blend or mash by hand until smooth but slightly textured.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.

Step 7

Transfer the melitzanosalata to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley and optional crumbled feta cheese.

Step 8

Serve immediately with bread, pita, or as a dip alongside other Mediterranean dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1069.2 grams (1069.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	815

Total Fat 64.40g	83%
Saturated Fat 12.90g	65%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 27mg	9%
Sodium 2740mg	119%
Total Carbohydrate 62.50g	23%
Dietary Fiber 33.90g	121%
Total Sugars 30.00g
Protein 16.20g	32%

Vitamin D 13IU	65%
Calcium 334mg	26%
Iron 5mg	28%
Potassium 2699mg	57%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.8%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 28.0%