Baklazhannaia Ikra
Baklazhannaia Ikra is a beloved Russian eggplant caviar that transforms humble vegetables into a luxurious spread. The eggplant is roasted until tender and smoky, then simmered with onions, green peppers, garlic, and ripe tomatoes to create a thick, flavorful paste. This dish offers a beautiful balance of earthy depth, slight sweetness from the tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It has a soft, spreadable texture that clings beautifully to crusty dark rye bread or warm pumpernickel. Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday appetizers, or as a sophisticated side dish for grilled meats, this ikra improves in flavor when made a day ahead, allowing the spices to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Description
Baklazhannaia Ikra is a beloved Russian eggplant caviar that transforms humble vegetables into a luxurious spread. The eggplant is roasted until tender and smoky, then simmered with onions, green peppers, garlic, and ripe tomatoes to create a thick, flavorful paste. This dish offers a beautiful balance of earthy depth, slight sweetness from the tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It has a soft, spreadable texture that clings beautifully to crusty dark rye bread or warm pumpernickel. Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday appetizers, or as a sophisticated side dish for grilled meats, this ikra improves in flavor when made a day ahead, allowing the spices to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled, chopped, seeded
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2-3 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
- 1 Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place the whole eggplant on a baking sheet and bake on the middle rack for about 1 hour, turning it over once or twice, until it is very soft and the skin is charred and blistered.
- 2
While the eggplant roasts, heat 4 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft but not brown, about 6-8 minutes.- 3
Add the chopped green pepper and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes longer.- 4
Remove the skillet from the heat. With a rubber spatula, scrape the onion-pepper mixture into a large mixing bowl.- 5
Allow the roasted eggplant to cool slightly. Peel off the charred skin using a sharp knife. Chop the eggplant pulp finely, almost to a puree consistency.- 6
Add the chopped eggplant, peeled tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the mixing bowl with the onion mixture. Mix together thoroughly.- 7
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet over moderate heat. Pour in the eggplant mixture.- 8
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Then, turn the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 1 hour.- 9
Remove the cover and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring from time to time, until all the moisture in the pan has evaporated and the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape in a spoon.- 10
Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired.- 11
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill, covering with plastic wrap, until ready to serve.NoteStore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors meld and improve if made a day ahead.
Serve on slices of dark rye or pumpernickel bread for the traditional experience.
Ensure tomatoes are well-seeded to prevent excess moisture during the simmering process.
baklazhannaia ikra, eggplant spread, russian appetizer, vegetable caviar, smoky eggplant, rye bread dip, tomato pepper relish, party food, make ahead dip, roasted eggplant, vegan spread, gluten free appetizer - 2