Pepper and Eggplant Spread

This pepper and eggplant spread is a delightful dish that combines roasted vegetables with aromatic spices for a flavorful experience. Ideal for sandwich spreads or as a dip, it offers a healthy alternative to traditional spreads. The perfect choice for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, this dish can be enjoyed both hot and cold. It's made with fresh ingredients like pepper, eggplant, and tomatoes, showcasing a blend of sweet and savory flavors. With its vibrant color and rich taste, this spread adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Serve it at gatherings or enjoy it as a quick snack. The dish is simple to prepare yet suitable for any occasion. Whether on crusty bread or alongside a robust main course, this spread will surely please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500 g peppers
• 500 g eggplants
• 1/2 head of garlic
• 100 g onions
• 50 g vegetable oil
• 100 g tomatoes

Spices

• Black pepper
• Salt

Preparation Time

• 90 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Clean the Eggplants: Rinse the eggplants thoroughly under running water. Slice them into even pieces, around 1 cm thick.

2. Roast Eggplants: Use a non-stick pan and place the eggplant slices. Fry them without adding any oil until they're golden on both sides.

3. Prepare Peppers: Rinse the peppers and remove the seeds. Cut them into small cubes for uniform cooking.

4. Sauté Peppers: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan. Add pepper cubes and sauté until they soften. Move to a separate bowl once done.

5. Slice Onions: Peel the onions and slice them finely. Sprinkle them with salt and let them rest for an hour to draw out moisture.

6. Press Onion Juice: After an hour, press down on the onions to remove excess juice.

7. Dice Tomatoes: Wash and dice tomatoes into small pieces for easier blending into the spread.

8. Mash Eggplant: Once cooled, mash the roasted eggplant into a chunky paste.

9. Combine Ingredients: Mix mashed eggplant with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, softened onions, and sautéed peppers.

10. Cook: Transfer everything into a large pot. Cook over medium heat until the onions turn translucent. Stir regularly to integrate flavors.

11. Adjust Consistency: If needed, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to the pot.

12. Taste and Season: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and allow it to simmer gently to meld flavors.

13. Cool Down: Once cooked through, let the spread cool slightly before transferring it to storage containers.

14. Jar It Up: Spoon the spread into clean jars. Avoid overfilling to prevent overflow during storage.

15. Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

16. Serve: Bring it to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

17. Enjoy: Relish this spread on fresh bread or as a dip with raw veggies. It pairs perfectly with cheeses and cold meats.

18. Reuse: Leftovers can be repurposed as a base for pasta sauces or mixed into a hearty vegetable soup.

19. Clean As You Go: Tidiness in the kitchen is essential for an enjoyable cooking experience.

20. Savor the Flavor: Embrace the homemade goodness and warmth of this nutritious spread.

Tips

• Substitution Tip: You can substitute bell peppers with a mix of red and yellow varieties for a colorful look.
• Storing Tip: For extended freshness, consider adding a layer of olive oil on top before sealing the jar.
• Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy undertone.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per serving
• Protein: 2g
• Fats: 8g
• Carbs: 18g

Variations

• Vegan Option: This spread is naturally vegan but can be enhanced with vegan cheeses.
• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies for a spice kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty sourdough for a delightful snack.
• Use as a topping for bruschetta.
• Serve alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken for a balanced meal.

Best Places

1. Vegetable Delight Café - Known for its fresh spreads and creative twists on classic dishes. Location: 123 Green Way, San Francisco, USA.
2. The Garden Plate - Offers an array of vegetable-based spreads and appetizers. Location: 45 Orchard Row, Brisbane, Australia.
3. Culinary Aroma - Celebrated for its flavorful applications of Mediterranean cuisine. Location: 7 Spice Road, Lisbon, Portugal.
4. Spread Love Bistro - Renowned for homemade spreads and artisanal bread. Location: 89 Flour St, Vancouver, Canada.
5. Taste of Nature - Master of infusing natural flavors with traditional methods. Location: 22 Herb Lane, Cape Town, South Africa.
6. Harvest Table Deli - Popular for fresh, rustic dishes that highlight seasonal produce. Location: 56 Market Lane, Edinburgh, Scotland.
7. Farm Fresh Café - Specializes in local and organic ingredients for all dishes. Location: 3 Grower’s St, Wellington, New Zealand.
8. Gourmet Greens - Offers a creative menu with a focus on plant-based dining. Location: 78 Leafy Ave, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
9. Sunrise Pantry - Famed for its breakfast spreads and artisanal jams. Location: 50 Morning Blvd, Sydney, Australia.
10. Flavor Fields - A charming spot with an emphasis on diverse and bold flavor profiles. Location: 13 Aroma Lane, Tokyo, Japan.