Poor Man's Caviar

Looking for a budget-friendly yet flavor-packed appetizer? "Poor Man's Caviar" is the perfect fusion of roasted eggplant, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, blended into a creamy yet chunky dip that's bursting with smoky, savory goodness. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is a deliciously humble dish that relies on simple, wholesome ingredients, like roasted eggplant, lemon juice, and olive oil, to deliver rich, complex flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, it requires minimal prep time but delivers maximum satisfaction. Serve it with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing spread that's light, healthy, and satisfying. Whether you call it an eggplant spread or a dip, this versatile recipe is perfect for gatherings, snacking, or even as a side dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplant
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Wash the eggplants and pierce them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.

Step 3

Place the eggplants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast them in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the skin is wrinkled and the flesh is soft.

Step 4

While the eggplants are roasting, finely chop the onion and tomatoes. Mince the garlic.

Step 5

In a medium pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 6

Add the chopped tomatoes and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7

Once the eggplants are roasted, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes until they can be handled safely.

Step 8

Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh using a spoon. Discard the skins.

Step 9

Place the eggplant flesh in a mixing bowl and mash with a fork until it reaches a slightly chunky consistency.

Step 10

Add the sautéed onion, tomato, and garlic mixture to the mashed eggplant. Stir to combine.

Step 11

Mix in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 12

Transfer the Poor Man's Caviar to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 13

Serve warm or at room temperature with crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1368.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	633.2

Total Fat 30.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2360.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 87.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.9g	0%
Total Sugars 48.6g
Protein 14.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 171.9mg	0%
Iron 3.8mg	0%
Potassium 3121.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.6%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 51.0%