My goal for this little global culinary challenge is to try 2 new recipes a week. But what I failed to realize is that I don’t always nail it on the first go. See: loaves and loaves of less-than-perfect Black Russian Bread in my kitchen.
Now I need to make something to put on top of said test bread.
Most of the time I gravitate towards the same bread toppings – avo, hummus, peanut butter, tomatoes/olive oil/balsamic, yadayada. But what if you could have something that is:
- Healthy
- Simple
- Unique
- Delicious
One reason I love Russian food is that at the heart of it, most of the recipes are made from very simple ingredients. I’m not at 5 different grocery stores looking for obscure spices or flours. And this recipe is no exception.
This eggplant spread (Baklazhannaia Ikra) also known as, poor man’s caviar (ahem, me). You can find lots of recipes on the internet but basically, this dish comes down to eggplant that is ultra cooked and soft, turning it into a luscious and flavorful spread. I got my recipe from boyfriend’s mom because she cooks the best healthy Russian food.
Also if you have the chance to pick a recipe from the internet or ask an expert – you go with the expert.
Now I’m no expert, but I’m here to tell you this spread is insanely tasty.
There are THREE ingredients in this spread. Plus a couple pantry staples. It looks like it takes a long time to make, but most of that time is waiting for the eggplant to come out of the oven or waiting for the eggplant to come together on the stove. Then it’s just waiting for the eggplant to cool so you can get it in your face.
PS – you’ll see the bread pictured here is, IN FACT, the Russian Black Bread. I think I’ve finally nailed it and the recipe will be out later this week.
Eggplant spread (Baklazhannaia Ikra)
(Start making 90 minutes before you want eggplant spread)
