Eggplant Caviar Dip (Caviar d’Aubergine)
Known as “Caviar d’Aubergine”, this eggplant caviar dip is a staple of the French apéro: the pre-dinner snacks and drinks. It is a creamy and flavorful dip made of roasted eggplant, shallots and garlic, seasoned with fresh herbs and seasonings. It yields delicious savory and smoky flavors and an utterly satisfying texture that goes hand-in-hand with toasted bread and a crisp glass of wine in Summer. What is Eggplant Caviar? Hailing from the French Mediterranean, Eggplant Caviar is an immensely popular dip or spread in France. It consists of roasted…
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 40 min
- Yield
- 1 serving
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 large eggplant (about 1 lb/455g)
- 1 tbsp (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 2 shallots, halved
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (or mint, or basil)
- 1 tbsp (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
- 1 tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil.
- 2
Step 1 - Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise and transfer to the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Using a sharp point knife, prick the flesh all over and brush each eggplant with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil (the oil will absorb quickly). Top the eggplant with the garlic and shallots. Roast for 40 minutes, or until the flesh is very tender.
- 3
Step 2 - Remove from the oven and loosely wrap aluminium foil over the eggplant (to steam) and let rest for 15 minutes. Open the foil, and let cool for at least 30 minutes.
- 4
Step 3 - Scoop out the flesh from the eggplants with a spoon and transfer into a blender. Add the shallots and squeeze the garlic flesh out of the skins into the blender as well. Add the fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and paprika.
- 5
Pulse until creamy, scraping down the sides a couple of times along the way if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6
For serving, place in a shallow serving bowl, sprinkle with fresh herbs and pine nuts (optional). Serve with crackers, bread and/or veggies.