Here’s a twist on your traditional Melitzanosalata — that tangy, smokey eggplant dip that is a staple on any Greek table.
Also known as “Greek eggplant dip,” melitzanosalata is a simple yet tasty dish of roasted eggplant, garlic, oil and lemon juice. It’s perfect spread on toasted bread, or as part of a larger selection of appetizers.
In Greek restaurants and taverns, this appetizer round is usually presented as a “meze” (meaning “small plate”) and served on a table family-style — to share. Dips such as melitzanosalata are super popular throughout the Greek islands.
But with chopped walnuts on top, you can add an extra punch that’ll guarantee your melitzanosalata will distinguish itself from the rest.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Pierce eggplant with tines of fork and wrap tightly in foil. Place eggplant on baking sheet and roast at 425°F 45 minutes to 1 hour, until soft; cool slightly.
2. Halve eggplant lengthwise and scoop out pulp into a blender or food processor; puree and set aside.
3. In dry skillet over medium-high heat, cook walnuts until lightly toasted, about 1 to 2 minutes; stir into eggplant pulp. Add mint, lemon juice, garlic, oil and salt and pepper. Cover and chill slightly.
4. Serve with pita: Cut each pita into 6 wedges.Place on baking sheet, sprinkle with cheese and broil until pitas are lightly toasted and cheese melts. Serve pitas with dip.
