Ensaladang Talong
Ensaladang Talong is a Filipino side dish built around eggplant that is charred directly over a flame or under a broiler, then peeled and dressed with vinegar, onion, and tomato. The grilling gives the eggplant a smoky flavor that defines the dish. It pairs naturally with grilled fish or meat and is ready in about 20 minutes.
Equipment
- Grill or Stovetop Griddle
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Fork
Ingredients
- 2 whole Asian eggplants preferably long, thin variety for authentic flavor
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vinegar white or cane vinegar, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce optional, for added umami
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplants: Grill the eggplants over a medium flame, turning them occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly.
- Peel and Flake: Once cooled, peel off the charred skin from the eggplants. Using a fork, gently flake the eggplant flesh into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the Salad: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, vinegar, fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to the bowl with the eggplant. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more vinegar or salt if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving plate and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an added twist, try incorporating roasted bell peppers for extra sweetness, or substitute cilantro with basil for a different flavor profile.
- To replicate the authentic smoky flavor without a grill, try blistering the eggplants over a gas stovetop flame.
Nutrition
Calories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 268mgPotassium: 119mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 197IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.3mg
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