Best Greek Eggplant Dip Recipes

ROASTED-EGGPLANT DIP WITH GREEK YOGURT

Steps:

• Using tongs, cook eggplants one at a time over the flame of a gas burner (or a grill), turning as skin chars and bubbles, until completely soft, about 15 minutes. (If eggplant doesn't soften, finish cooking on a baking sheet in a 375-degree oven.) Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Peel off charred skin and discard. Coarsely chop the eggplants, and place in a colander to drain, about 1 hour. Finely chop, and transfer to a bowl.
• Using a chef's knife, press flat side of blade back and forth across garlic and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to make a paste. Mix into eggplant. Stir in oil. Mix in yogurt and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. (Dip can be refrigerated, for up to 1 day.) Drizzle with oil before serving.

GREEK EGGPLANT DIP

Steps:

• Wash the eggplants and make a few deep cuts in the skin. Put them on a baking sheet and place in a 450F oven for about 1 hour, or until the skin is burned and crispy when you touch it. You want the skin to be burned to give the dip a smoky flavor. Allow the eggplants to cool and cut them open and scoop out the flesh. Discard the large dark seeds.
• Place the flesh in a colander and salt it, and add the lemon juice. Allow the flesh to drain for about one hour. Place the drained flesh in a bowl and mash with a fork. Add the yogurt, garlic and olive oil and stir until it is smooth.
• Enjoy!

GREEK EGGPLANT DIP/SPREAD "MELITZANOSALATA"

Steps:

• Wash & pat dry the eggplants. With a fork pierce a few holes all over., wrap each eggplant in aluminum foil and place them under oven grill, on high heat for about 50 minutes or until soft & charred. This could also be done on a gas grill but will need less time to cook. (I personally prefer the gas cause it gives a stronger smoky flavor) When ready pierce again to check if done. If softened they are done. Set aside for a while to cool.
• Scoop out the flesh & discard the skin. Place the eggplant flesh & seeds in a colander & lightly squeeze to remove as much liquid. as you can. You don't need a lot of moisture.
• With a fork mash the eggplant, but not completely. and set aside in a bowl. Wash, pat dry & dice tomatoes. Discard tomato liquids or save for another use. (I freeze it) Add diced tomato to eggplant. Then add minced garlic and chopped parsley.
• Gently fold. Add salt & pepper, olive oil & vinegar. Gently fold once or twice so all ingredients will mix but not become mushy.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight before serving. To serve, garnish with some chopped parsley & drizzle with some olive oil. Enjoy with pita chips or crusty bread like a bruschetta. It could also be served as a side dish to any barbeque cookout. Tip: I sometimes add red bell pepper for crunchiness and to add color. KALI OREXI