Salată de vinete

Salată de vinete is a traditional summer dish that involves roasting or grilling eggplants until charred, chopping them until they form a smooth purée, and finally mixing the eggplants with sunflower oil, salt, and lemon juice. Although its name means eggplant salad, this specialty is actually a type of eggplant spread. There are numerous variations on this dish, and some of the most common additions to the eggplant combination include raw onions, egg yolks, or mayonnaise. It can be used as an appetizer or as a garnish for meat dishes, and it is usually served chilled, typically with mayonnaise and bread. Other typical accompaniments include slices of tomatoes or cucumbers, roasted pepper salad, and Romanian cheese such as telemea cheese. It is recommended to pair this delicious eggplant spread with a glass of dry wine.