Eggplant Spread Recipe (2024)

This eggplant spread is one that can make practicallyanyone fall in love with eggplant! This creamy, roasted dip can be enjoyed in so many ways—it’s truly a versatile, healthy dish.

If you are ready to enjoy even more eggplant, you will also love Ikra, my eggplant caviar spread. Plus, you’ve got to taste this grilled eggplant made in a sweet chili garlic sauce!

Eggplant Spread Recipe (1)

Eggplant Spread Recipe

Let’s be honest: eggplant is definitely not a vegetable that many people call a favorite. A lot of people think they don’t like the vegetable, just because they have either never tried it, or they never tried it in this particular eggplant spread recipe.

The good news is, this eggplant spread recipe that will convert practically anyone to an eggplant lover! I have not had one person try it and say that they don’t like it, on the contrary, people who thought they hated eggplant were seriously surprised that it tasted this good.

The “secret” to making an eggplant taste fantastic is to remove the bitter flavor. This is easily done by draining out the excess liquid after the vegetable is roasted and peeled. I find it easiest to place the eggplant in a colander, then adding a plate on top. Next, place something heavy on top of the plate so that there is a weight pressing down on the eggplant. Leave it to drain for about an hour. Trust me, this will make a HUGE difference!

Eggplant Spread Recipe (2)

Make-Ahead Roasted Eggplant Spread

I like this roasted eggplant spread so much that I actually can/preserve peeled roasted eggplants when they are in season. This way, anytime I want this spread, I just open the jar, add some sautéed onions and I’ve got myself an appetizer.

This comes really handy when you have unexpected visitors. You can also pass this around at the party, while you’re finishing up on your dinner preparations.

How to Make Eggplant Spread

For detailed recipe instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Roast the eggplant, turning it halfway so both sides are evenly cooked.
  • Peel the eggplant. To make this easy, place the roasted eggplant in a bowl. Then, cover with saran wrap and a layer of aluminum foil.
  • Press the eggplant and drain out the extra liquid to remove any bitter flavor. After, chop the eggplant.
  • Meanwhile, sautee onions, then add the onions along with the rest of the ingredients to the eggplant.
  • Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve this Dish

This dish is highly versatile and you will find many pairings that work well with it. A few of my favorites include roasted peppers, feta cheese, bacon bits, or sliced eggs. Sliced tomatoes also work well when they are in season.

I enjoy this spread best when it is spread over a freshly baked baguette. However you eat it, you’ll be sure to love this veggie dish!

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe with precise ingredient amounts.

Check out these other great Appetizer recipes:

Eggplant Spread

Eggplant Spread Recipe (3)

Thiseggplant spreadis one that can make practicallyanyonefall in love with eggplant! This creamy, roasted dip can be enjoyed in so many ways—it's truly a versatile, healthy dish.

Author: Marina | Let the Baking Begin

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian

Keyword: eggplant spread

Calories: 88 kcal

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1large eggplant
  • 1large onionpeeled, cubed
  • 2tbspmayonnaise
  • 1garlic cloveminced (or powdered garlic)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the eggplant into a roasting pan lined with foil and bake it at 350F for an hour, turning it over so that each side is baked throughout (at the end of the oven, it should be pretty soft when pressed).

  2. Put the eggplant in a bowl and cover with plastic and then foil. This will help with peeling the eggplant.

  3. Peel the eggplant, removing the stem and the outer skin.

  4. Place it in a colander, put a plate on top, then some kind of weight on top of the plate, letting the liquid drain (the liquid contains the bitterness) for about an hour.

  5. Meanwhile, sauté the onion in some olive oil, over medium heat until golden.

  6. After the liquid has been drained, finely chop the eggplant and place it in a bowl.

  7. Add browned onions, leaving out the oil; minced/powdered garlic, mayo, salt, pepper and mix together.

  8. Serve on a fresh sliced baguette, sprinkled with some feta cheese/bacon bits/sliced egg and sliced tomatoes as an appetizer.

  9. Will keep in the fridge tightly covered for up to 3 days.

Recipe Notes

For healthier version of this spread, substituting mayo for olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

Eggplant Spread

Amount Per Serving

Calories 88Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 3mg1%

Sodium 47mg2%

Potassium 302mg9%

Carbohydrates 10g3%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 25IU1%

Vitamin C 4.8mg6%

Calcium 17mg2%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Eggplant Spread Recipe (4)

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Eggplant Spread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to eat Trader Joe's eggplant garlic spread? ›

Based on a traditional Bulgarian recipe (and made in Bulgaria to boot), our Eggplant Garlic Spread is stellar on sandwiches, toast, crackers, and crostini. It makes for a mighty flavorful addition to a traditional ratatouille, too. It's even a stand-out stand-in for pasta or pizza sauce.

How long does eggplant spread last in the fridge? ›

(Discard excess liquid and skins). Mash the roasted eggplant into the tahini mixture with a fork until somewhat smooth with some texture remaining. 5Cool to room temperature then stir in parsley and drizzle the top with olive oil. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days.

What is baba ganoush made of? ›

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean eggplant dip made from roasted or grilled eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Like hummus, it's delicious with pita or fresh veggies, but its silky texture and irresistible smoky flavor set it apart. This baba ganoush recipe is a must-try summer dip!

What do you eat with Trader Joe's eggplant spread? ›

Based on a traditional Bulgarian recipe (and made in Bulgaria to boot), our Eggplant Garlic Spread is stellar on sandwiches, toast, crackers, and crostini, to be sure.

What to eat with Eggplant Garlic Spread? ›

This eggplant garlic spread is excellent on crackers (especially Trader Joe's Pita Bite Crackers), pita bread, sourdough toast, sandwiches, fresh veggies and so much more.

What happens if you don't salt eggplant before cooking? ›

Older recipes call for salting eggplant to draw out the bitter juices, but today's eggplants are less bitter (unless very large), so salting is largely unnecessary. It will, however, help the spongy flesh absorb less oil and crisp up like a dream.

What is the secret to cooking eggplant? ›

Eggplants are known to absorb a lot of fat while cooking. A useful tip to prevent sogginess and greasiness is to salt sliced or diced eggplant and let it sit for an hour. This helps to draw out moisture. Next, rinse and drain any liquid from the sliced eggplant, then pat dry before cooking.

When to not eat eggplant? ›

When buying an eggplant, the flesh should be firm but give slightly when pressed, then bounce back. If your eggplant is soft to the touch, that's an indication that it's beginning to spoil. In addition, if the flesh of the eggplant is slimy, you'll want to throw it away.

Can you freeze eggplant spread? ›

Once cool, halve the eggplant, scoop out the flesh, put them in a food processor or blender and mix them until smooth and creamy. Transfer the purée into freezer-safe containers and label. When you are ready to use your purée, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and add it to your favorite recipes.

When not to use eggplant? ›

Lusterless and shriveling exteriorA ripe, safe-to-eat eggplant looks really shiny and has tight, smooth skin. If your eggplant has lost its luster and/or looks wrinkly, it's past its prime and no longer good to cook with. Keep an eye out for brown spots around your eggplant, too.

Which is more fattening hummus or baba ganoush? ›

Both have 0% cholesterol and are high in fiber and protein content. Nonetheless, hummus has higher calorie content than baba ganoush, and baba ganoush contains vitamins B and E, which are nonexistent in hummus.

What's better for you hummus or baba ganoush? ›

3) Health – Both dishes are very healthy, but baba ganoush has a slight edge here with more vitamins from the eggplant and a lower calorie count. 4) Big meal to come – Get baba ganoush, it's less filling than hummus.

Why does baba ganoush taste like cigarettes? ›

perhaps that's what your little green party hat's for. There is only one way to make knockout Baba Ganoush – by smoking your aubergines. Smoky, charred lushness is what defines this dip.

How long is Trader Joe's Eggplant Garlic Spread good for after opening? ›

Trader Joe's Eggplant Garlic Spread with Sweet Red Peppers

A: Label on jar says :Refrigerate after opening. Consume within 10 days after opening for best quality.

How do you eat Trader Joe's Grecian eggplant? ›

My favorite way to eat it is as is, spread on crackers or some bread with crumbled cheese; it's lovely with feta, shaved pieces of Cacciocavallo, or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella.

How do you use Kewpie garlic spread? ›

Spread KEWPIE Chunky Garlic Spread on your bread or baguette, then toast for delicious homemade garlic bread. It's also great on baked or mashed potatoes as a flavourful topping. Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Egg, Vinegar, Garlic Granule.

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