Spicy Eggplant Salad

This Spicy Eggplant Salad is a vibrant, healthy side dish that combines roasted eggplant with a zesty dressing, perfect for adding a kick to any meal. The dish is not only flavorful but also rich in nutrients, making it a delightful addition to your dining table.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 300 grams
• Red bell pepper - 100 grams
• Green onion - 2 stalks
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Fresh ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Chili oil - 1 teaspoon
• Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the eggplant into bite-sized cubes and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant cubes under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
4. Place the eggplant on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until tender and slightly browned, stirring halfway through.
5. While the eggplant is roasting, finely chop the red bell pepper, green onion, garlic, and cilantro.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, grated ginger, and black pepper to create the dressing.
7. Once the eggplant is done roasting, let it cool slightly and then combine it with the chopped bell pepper, green onion, garlic, and cilantro in a mixing bowl.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and additional pepper if needed.
9. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbs: 20 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants which help fight free radicals.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Low in calories, making it a great choice for weight management.

Tags