Zeytinyağlı Patlıcan Ezmesi (Olive Oil Roasted Eggplant Dip)

Indulge in a taste of Turkish cuisine with Zeytinyağlı Patlıcan Ezmesi, an exquisite eggplant dip that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Roasted slowly in fragrant olive oil until tender and smoky, this dish is both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for spreading on warm pita bread or serving as a vibrant appetizer, it’s bound to become a staple at your next gathering.
“In Turkish cuisine, eggplant is not just a vegetable; it’s an experience.”
Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 150kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 pounds)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- A handful of fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Olive oil for roasting
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Eggplants: Prick the eggplants all over with a fork and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the skin is charred and the flesh is very soft.
Cool and Peel: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Once cooled enough to handle, peel off the charred skin with a knife or your fingers. The eggplant should be very tender and easy to scoop out of its skin.
Mash Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the roasted eggplant flesh with minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Mash everything together until you reach a smooth consistency. Stir in the chopped parsley or dill for added freshness.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add more lemon juice or olive oil to enhance the flavors.
Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle with additional olive oil and garnish with extra herbs before serving.
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:
- Serving: 1/6 of the batch
- Calories: 150kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
Serve this delightful Zeytinyağlı Patlıcan Ezmesi with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a flavorful addition to your meze platter. Its rich and smoky flavors make it a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the blend of spices and herbs that bring out the best in this classic Turkish dip!