Sautéed Eggplant Spread (Poor Man's Caviar)

Name: Sautéed Eggplant Spread (Poor Man's Caviar)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 2 lb eggplant, peeled and diced; 2 bell peppers, preferably red, yellow, or orange, diced; 2–3 medium carrots, grated; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 3 medium tomatoes; 1 tsp salt, or to taste; ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste; 0 Canola oil or extra light olive oil, to sauté

A rustic, savory eggplant spread with bell peppers and carrots, slowly simmered to a chunky, spreadable consistency.

Prep20 min
Cook1h 20m
Total1h 40m
DifficultyEasy
Servings10

This classic Russian and Ukrainian spread, known as Baklazhannaia Ikra or "poor man's caviar," turns simple vegetables into something truly special. The long, slow cooking concentrates the flavors and creates a deep, savory spread that's perfect on crusty bread.

The ingredients are humble—eggplant, bell peppers, carrots, onion, and tomatoes—but the result is anything but. Sautéed until golden, then simmered together, this spread is rich, slightly sweet, and wonderfully versatile. Serve it as an appetizer, a condiment, or a side dish.

Ingredients

Servings 10

2 lb eggplant, peeled and diced
2 bell peppers, preferably red, yellow, or orange, diced
2–3 medium carrots, grated
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 medium tomatoes
1 tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
0 Canola oil or extra light olive oil, to sauté

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

Place a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add 3-4 tablespoons of oil. Add the diced eggplant and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and moist, about 15-20 minutes. Add more oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Meanwhile, in a separate large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the diced bell peppers, grated carrots, and finely diced onion. Sauté until golden and softened, 10-15 minutes.
Combine the cooked pepper-carrot mixture with the eggplant in the larger pan.
Dice the tomatoes and add them to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The spread is ready when no liquid pools on the surface and the mixture is thick, spreadable, and still slightly chunky.
Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread.

💡 Tips

For a smokier flavor, roast the eggplants whole in the oven at 400°F until soft, then scoop out the flesh and chop it before sautéing.
This spread keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week; the flavors meld and deepen over time.
If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the finished spread in a food processor a few times before serving.

#Mediterranean #Dairy-free #Gluten-free #Healthy #Lent (Nistisimo)#Vegan #Vegetarian #Budget #Make ahead #Easter #Party #Summer #Winter

Inspired by a recipe from Natasha's Kitchen

Sautéed Eggplant Spread (Poor Man's Caviar)

Ingredients

Method

💡 Tips

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