Baklazhan
A smoky, flavorful eggplant spread with peppers, onions, and tomatoes, perfect for serving on crackers or bread, suitable for vegetarian and appetizer occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the eggplant at 450°F until soft to the touch.
- Remove the skin and chop the pulp almost to a puree.
- Fry the onions in oil until soft.
- Stir in chopped green peppers and fry 6 minutes longer.
- Skin the tomatoes and chop them coarsely.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the onion mixture.
- Add the eggplant and all seasoning to the mixture.
- Cook uncovered until the mixture is thick enough to spread.
- Chill until ready to serve on black pumpernickel or sesame crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the baked eggplant more thoroughly to create a smooth puree. If you're looking for a lighter flavor, consider using olive oil instead of the oil specified. You can also swap out the green peppers for roasted red peppers for a sweeter taste. This dish can be adjusted to suit Mediterranean recipes by adding herbs like oregano or basil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish chilled on slices of black pumpernickel or sesame crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Rice Salad Vinaigrette for a light meal or as part of a larger spread of vegetarian recipes. Consider adding olives and cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, making sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baklazhan contains roughly 272 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1795mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen eggplant for this recipe?
While fresh eggplant is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can use frozen eggplant. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before baking. This helps maintain the dish's consistency.
What can I serve with Baklazhan?
Baklazhan is versatile; it works well as a dip with crackers or pita bread. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. It complements other Mediterranean recipes beautifully, enhancing any meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the onion mixture. You could also use spicy green peppers instead of the mild ones. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a more robust flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).