🇷🇺 Russia · Food
Eggplant Caviar
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇷🇺 RUAI-generated imageEggplant Caviar (Baklazhannaya Ikra) is a popular Russian vegetable spread made from roasted eggplants, tomatoes, and aromatics. It has a silky texture and a deep, savory flavor.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Dice 2 eggplants into small, uniform cubes, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess bitterness.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan and sauté 1 finely diced onion until soft and sweet, then add 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds.
- 3
Pat the eggplant cubes dry and add them to the pan with 2 more tbsp oil, frying until they are golden brown and completely soft.
- 4
Add 3 peeled and chopped tomatoes to the mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they break down into a thick sauce.
- 5
Continue cooking for another 15 minutes until the excess liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens into a uniform, jam-like consistency.
- 6
Season with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper, then fold in 1 bunch of chopped parsley and let cool to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eggplant Caviar?+
Eggplant Caviar is a classic Russian vegetable spread made from finely chopped or pureed roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. It is typically served as an appetizer on dark rye bread.
Do I have to peel the eggplant?+
You can leave the peel on for texture and flavor, but peeling it results in a more uniform, silky 'caviar' consistency.
How fine should I chop the vegetables?+
Traditional caviar has small, distinct vegetable pieces; use a sharp knife for dicing rather than a food processor.
Can it be served warm?+
While it is traditional to serve it cold as a spread, it is equally excellent served warm alongside meat dishes.
Why salt the eggplant first?+
Salting removes bitterness and excess water, allowing the vegetable to absorb the oil and aromatics more effectively.
🇷🇺 RUAI-generated imageMundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Eggplant Caviar's core ingredients.
