Peasant'S Caviar
Peasant's Caviar is a flavorful, smoky eggplant spread with garlic, lemon, olives, and nuts, perfect as an appetizer or spread for bread and vegetables, ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 medium eggplants ⓘ
- 12 cloves garlic
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 c. golden raisins
- 2 ripe plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. pitted chopped black olives
- 1/2 c. toasted pine nuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced purple onion ⓘ
- 8 heads Belgian endive (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut eggplants in half lengthwise.
- Make deep slits in the flesh (without piercing the skin) and insert 2 garlic cloves into each half.
- Place eggplants in a shallow roasting pan, skin side down, and sprinkle the tops with salt.
- Cover with foil and bake for one hour or until eggplants and garlic are tender. Cool.
- Scoop out the eggplant and garlic flesh into a bowl with a spoon.
- Mash well with a fork.
- Stir in lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix well.
- Gently fold in the remaining ingredients: raisins, diced tomatoes, chopped olives, toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and diced purple onion.
- Refrigerate, covered, to chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the eggplant and garlic instead of mashing. If eggplants are bitter, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes before cooking, then rinse. You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or omit them entirely. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a unique flavor twist. This dish is great for Mediterranean recipes lovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Peasant's Caviar as a dip with pita chips or crusty bread, or as a spread on Onion-Olive Bread. It pairs beautifully with Roasted Cauliflower or as a side to grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Pasta With Artichoke Hearts for a hearty vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. This dish can also be served cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peasant'S Caviar contains roughly 405 calories, with 9g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg per serving (45% 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 a different type of eggplant for this recipe?
Yes, you can use Japanese or Chinese eggplants, which tend to be sweeter and less bitter. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as these varieties may cook faster than medium eggplants.
Is it necessary to chill the dish before serving?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. However, you can serve it warm if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture will be different, and the flavors may not be as pronounced.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Peasant's Caviar is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making it a great option for parties or gatherings.
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).