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Istanbul (Turkey)
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Starter
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
150kcal
2gProtein
15gCarbs
10gFat
5gFibre
200 gServing
* Per serving · 200 g. May vary.
Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Salad
How to order / say it
Say it
Patlıcan Salatası — [PAHT-luh-jahn sah-lah-TAHS-uh]
Order
I'd like the Patlıcan Salatası, please.
Locally
Patlıcan Salatası alabilir miyim, lütfen?
Say locally
A smoky salad made with grilled eggplants and tomatoes.
Why try it?
This salad highlights Istanbul’s mastery in mixing simple ingredients for exquisite taste. It reflects the city's rich agricultural bounty and its historical love for smoky, charred flavors.
How it tastes
The salad is smoky from the grilled eggplants, slightly sweet from the tomatoes, and refreshing with the addition of fresh herbs, making it both light and flavorful.
Origin & History — first documented: 1750
Originating in the Ottoman kitchens of Istanbul, this salad uses locally grown vegetables that were widely available. Its popularity grew as a staple in meze spreads, emphasizing the regional cooking techniques of grilling and charring.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 2 medium eggplant
- 🥕 3 large tomato
- 🫒 2 tbsp olive oil
- 🍋 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic
- 🌿 a handful parsley
Method
- 1 Grill eggplants until charred, then peel.
- 2 Dice tomatoes and mix with peeled, chopped eggplants.
- 3 Add olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and parsley.
- 4 Mix well and serve at room temperature.
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