What ingredients do I need to make smoked aubergine salad with red pepper?

To make smoked aubergine salad with red pepper, you’ll need aubergines (eggplants), red bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, pomegranate molasses, fresh pomegranate seeds, tomatoes, and parsley. Optional additions include feta cheese for a creamy touch and herbs like coriander if you want to vary the flavor. These ingredients combine smoky, tangy, and fresh elements to create a flavorful, nutritious salad.

How should I cook the aubergine and red pepper for the best smoky flavor?

For the best smoky flavor, cook the aubergine and red pepper over an open flame, such as a stovetop gas burner, or roast them in a hot oven until their skins are blistered and charred. Once cooled, peel off the skins, remove seeds from the peppers, and chop the flesh before adding them to the salad. This method softens the vegetables and gives the dish its distinctive smoky taste.

Can I make smoked aubergine salad vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, smoked aubergine salad is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan. Simply omit any cheese, such as feta, from the recipe. The salad’s rich flavors come from the smoked vegetables and tangy dressing, so it remains delicious and suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets without any substitutions.

How far in advance can I prepare the aubergine and red pepper for the salad?

You can roast or smoke the aubergine and red pepper up to 2 days ahead of time. Store the peeled and chopped vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This preparation makes assembling the salad faster and more convenient on busy days, while preserving the smoky flavor and texture.

What meals go well with smoked aubergine salad?

Smoked aubergine salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a side to grilled meats like chicken or lamb, alongside fresh flatbreads or pita, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and olives. It’s also satisfying as a light vegetarian main course, especially when topped with toasted seeds or nuts for extra texture.

Smoked Aubergine Salad With Roasted Red Peppers Recipe

Name: Smoked Aubergine Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: – 2 large aubergines (eggplants); – 2 long red peppers; – 2 cloves garlic (crushed); – 80 ml extra virgin olive oil; – 2 teaspoons lemon juice; – 1 teaspoon sumac; – 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses; – 1 pomegranate; – 3 large tomatoes (chopped); – Bunch of parsley (chopped); – Optional: feta cheese

Description

🍆 This Smoky Aubergine and Roasted Red Pepper Salad delivers vibrant smoky flavors combined with fresh, wholesome ingredients for a nutritious and tasty dish.
🌿 Rich in antioxidants and fiber, this salad makes a perfect light meal or flavorful side, with optional feta cheese for added creaminess.

Ingredients

– 2 large aubergines (eggplants)

– 2 long red peppers

– 2 cloves garlic (crushed)

– 80 ml extra virgin olive oil

– 2 teaspoons lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon sumac

– 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses

– 1 pomegranate

– 3 large tomatoes (chopped)

– Bunch of parsley (chopped)

– Optional: feta cheese

Instructions

1-First, follow the directions by cooking the aubergines and red peppers over an open flame until their skins blister and the flesh softens it takes about 20 minutes. Once done, let them steam in a covered bowl for easier peeling. Then, peel the skins, remove seeds from the peppers, and chop everything up for the base of your salad.

2-Next, mix up the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, sumac, pomegranate molasses, and most of the pomegranate seeds. In a big bowl, combine the chopped aubergine, red pepper, tomatoes, and most of the parsley, then drizzle on the dressing and toss it all together.

3-Finally, serve it up on a plate with the remaining parsley, pomegranate seeds, and a bit of feta if you like.

Notes

🔥 Cooking aubergines and red peppers in advance can save time during meal prep.
🌿 Substitute coriander for parsley to vary the herbaceous flavor.
🥗 For a vegan option, omit feta cheese; add protein by serving with chopped chicken or roast lamb.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking and Steaming Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling/Steaming
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Smoky Aubergine, Roasted Red Pepper, Pomegranate Salad, Mediterranean