Eggplant caviar with basil
4 servings
90 minutes
Eggplant caviar with basil is a fragrant and rich dish of Greek cuisine, where simple ingredients reveal their depth of flavor. Roasted eggplants, sweet peppers, and tomatoes acquire a tender texture and a light smoky hue, complemented by the freshness of basil and the spiciness of garlic. Historically, this recipe originated in the Mediterranean, where eggplants became an integral part of gastronomic tradition. This caviar is perfect as an appetizer or side dish to meat and fish, as well as a standalone dish with warm bread. The ease of preparation and richness of flavor make it an excellent choice for summer meals, while basil adds a special fresh and noble touch. This dish is not just delicious — it conveys the spirit and warmth of the Greek coast.
1
Preheat the oven to 240 degrees. While it heats up, wash the vegetables and prick the eggplants all over with a fork.
- Eggplants: 2 pieces
- Tomatoes: 3 pieces
- Sweet pepper: 2 pieces
2
We place the eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers on a rack and put them in a preheated oven. We will take out the vegetables ready for further procedures at different times: first the tomatoes (as soon as their skin cracks), then the peppers (the skin will acquire dark burnt spots and slightly puff up, separating from the flesh), and lastly the eggplants.
- Eggplants: 2 pieces
- Tomatoes: 3 pieces
- Sweet pepper: 2 pieces
3
We wait for the vegetables to cool down (most often, the tomatoes cool down before the eggplants are taken out of the oven). Vegetables baked this way should easily separate from their burnt skin. We peel the skin off all the vegetables and remove the seeds from the pepper.
- Eggplants: 2 pieces
- Tomatoes: 3 pieces
- Sweet pepper: 2 pieces
- Garlic: 2 cloves
4
The next step is to chop everything very finely. Of course, it's preferable to use a knife and work by hand, but if there's no desire or time, a food processor can be used. In my opinion, the taste of the caviar suffers greatly from this.
- Eggplants: 2 pieces
- Tomatoes: 3 pieces
- Sweet pepper: 2 pieces
5
We place the chopped vegetables in a salad bowl, add crushed garlic, finely chopped onion, fresh basil leaves, spices, and olive oil. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Red onion: 1 head
- Basil leaves: to taste
- Sea salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Coriander: to taste