Mom'S Eggplant Spread
A smoky, savory eggplant spread with onions and peppers, perfect for dips or spreads, appealing to those who enjoy rich, roasted vegetable flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the eggplant in half and place it in a baking pan, skin side up.
- Bake at 375°F until the eggplant is slightly burnt and soft.
- Remove the eggplant from the oven and let it cool.
- Scrape the pulp from the skin and set aside.
- In a pan, sauté chopped onions and diced green pepper in olive oil until tender.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Mix in ketchup, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more if desired.
- Combine the sautéed vegetables with the eggplant pulp and mix well.
- Serve as a spread or dip.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the spread. If you're short on time, you can substitute roasted red peppers for the green pepper, or use jarred garlic if you don't have garlic powder. This Mom's Eggplant Spread also works well as a filling for Pita Pinwheels, making it a versatile addition to your Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Eggplant Spread with warm pita bread, crackers, or as a topping for grilled meats. It also pairs beautifully with Spanakopita (Spinach Pie) for a delightful Mediterranean-themed meal. For a light lunch, enjoy it as a sandwich spread or alongside fresh veggies for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This spread can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Eggplant Spread contains roughly 330 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2123mg per serving (92% 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 make this eggplant spread ahead of time?
Yes, this spread can be made a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together, enhancing the taste. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is there a vegan alternative to ketchup?
Absolutely! You can use homemade tomato sauce or a mix of tomato paste and water seasoned with vinegar and spices as a substitute. This will keep the spread vegan-friendly while still providing that rich tomato flavor.
What dishes can I serve this spread with?
Mom's Eggplant Spread is incredibly versatile. It goes well with grilled meats, as a dip for vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside Mediterranean favorites like Fried Cod (Baccala) or as part of a mezze platter.
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).