Eggplant caviar is a creamy, savory dip with roasted eggplant and hard boiled eggs that makes a delicious appetizer with crackers or chips.
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about this eggplant caviar recipe before I made it the first time.
I knew it was a family favorite - particularly of my grandmother, who we called Jamma -- and I knew it went back a long way, so I had it on my "to try" list.
But when I got down to making it and looked at the ingredients, I was a little unsure.
Roasted eggplant and hard-boiled eggs? What?
I'd already bought the ingredients and committed to making it though - and telling my girl friends that I was bringing it for our boat day - so I went ahead.
And I was making a double batch because my aunt said it keeps so well and you'll want extra. I trust her.
(She's also the source of the hot artichoke dip and crab melts recipes that we love.)
I finished fixing this eggplant caviar, put it in the fridge to chill and waited.
Then after a few hours, I cautiously dipped a cracker in to see what I thought.
Oh wow. It works.
It works so well.
I don't know how or why and I can't explain, but it's beyond delicious.
I considered that maybe it was just me, maybe my friends would think I was crazy. But when we had our girls boat day, everyone gushed over it. We couldn't get enough!
I'm so glad I made a double batch because we went through it. So I came home and made another double batch.
I just had to have more!
I put this eggplant caviar right into a bowl to serve it and we went to town.
However, my family's notes say you can also put this dip into an oiled mold and chill it.
Then when you're ready to serve, unmold and decorate the top with some lemon slices or bell pepper strips. Fancy!
(It also feels like a very 1970s way to make this, which could be fun.)
Sometimes you just gotta go on faith and trust that a family favorite is such for a reason.
I'm so glad I tried this.
Jamma, I know why you loved it so much and I will always think of you now when I make it.
Eggplant caviar was one of her favorite appetizers.
I'm a convert. You will be, too.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Eggplant Caviar
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-2 hard boiled eggs, finely chopped (see notes)
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Wash the eggplant and dry it. Pierce it with a fork several times and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 400 for 45 minutes, until charred and tender.
- Let the eggplant cool slightly then remove the skin and discard it, along with any very large clumps of seeds from the inside of the eggplant.
- Roughly chop the eggplant flesh and put it in a colander to drain for a few minutes. Once you've gotten the excess moisture out, finely chop the eggplant and add it to a large bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Then you are ready to serve! Add crackers (or tortilla chips) and enjoy!
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Serena says
Anything your grandmother made - I'd like. Yes to eggplant to eggs - new (yummy) combo!
Kathryn says
Serena, I'm with you! If she was a fan, I'm in! Hope you give this a try - you'll see why we're crazy about it 🙂
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
I love baba ganoush but this sounds SO much better!!!!! Nothing better than eggplant dip with crackers and a glass of wine!
Kathryn says
You will love it Lucy! Cheers! Have a great weekend!
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers says
This sounds great and I'm really keen to try it out too. Family favourites are the best.
Kathryn says
They really are, Vicki! The delicious food and also the memories that come with them... hope you'll give this dish a go. It sounds a little strange but is such a hit! Thanks for stopping by!
Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
You can't go wrong with a family recipe! This looks really yummy and I can't wait to try it.
Kathryn says
They're the best, aren't they? My grandmother was especially particular about what qualified as really good food, so I knew this would be a keeper. Hope you love it!
GiGi Eats says
YUM! Heck yes! And I just got some avocado mayo - so this is 100% happening in my kitchen! However, that could be a BAD thing, cause I will probably eat it ALL in one sitting. Lets be real, I will be standing - ha!
Kathryn says
Haha, I'm right there with you! I will plow into this straight from the fridge, no utensils, no chairs necessary 😉 Hope you have a great weekend and hope you enjoy this dip!