Comments on: Untranslatable eggplant, and Iraqi breakfast

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:48:14 +0000

This sounds so good . . . There is a felafel place in Philadelphia that sells this, but I can’t get it near me. Sigh, I guess I have to make it for myself.

By: Cara

Cara — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:20:01 +0000

I adore eggplant and love the idea that there are so many ways to prepare it – I’d love to learn from the woman who knows 100 ways Eggplant with tahini sounds delicious.

By: Liz

Liz — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:16:56 +0000

I’m guessing the base is a smoked eggplant, mixed with either mayonnaise or tahini. Sweet means it’s more likely mayonnaise; nutty means tahini. Here’s how you smoke eggplant: http://food.lizsteinberg.com/2010/10/16/simple-mezze-salad-eggplant-dip-with-thyme-and-parsley/

It’s messy, but easy!

By: Sivad-Galdian

Sivad-Galdian — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:55:47 +0000

The eggplant is definitely gray. Any red in the salad I am sure is sweet peppers or something. The taste is kinda complex, definitely sweet and smokey, though. If you could really guess the secret, I would be thrilled. And could maybe convince my eggplant-hating mom to try some.

By: Liz

Liz — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:39:21 +0000

Thanks, Sivad! What does their eggplant thing look like? Red or grayish? Maybe I could guess what’s in it. If the workers don’t know the recipe, it might be because they’re buying it ready-made …

By: Lacey @ dishfolio.com

Lacey @ dishfolio.com — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:48:26 +0000

Looks delish! We’d love for you to share your recipes and images with us at dishfolio.com!

By: Sivad-Galdian

Sivad-Galdian — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:51:33 +0000

I really like your story, and your notes on cooking eggplant. I’m attending a college in central Florida, but we have a delicious stand of Israeli foods that I’m fairly sure is run by a couple of men from Israel (as opposed to generic Middle Eastern food run by any opportunist). Any ways, they make a delicious eggplant salad condiment… thing… that I make sure to get on every pita sandwich I get. I have no idea how you make it, but I’m sure it must be one of the 100 ways to cook an eggplant. I tried asking a girl who worked there, but not even she knew the recipe. One day, though… Any ways, thank you for your tips. I feel more informed in my eggplant adventures now.

By: Liz

Liz — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:43:02 +0000

No, you never told me that story. Did you post the play online anywhere? I actually prefer the flame-roasting — it’s not greasy. Brownie points for being first commenter

By: Irene Sharon Hodes

Irene Sharon Hodes — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:35:30 +0000

Kudos! Great post, Liz. Love the story. We need to go to Frishman some time together. Did I ever tell you I wrote a play whose connecting element was the telling of an eggplant recipe by Israeli and Arab women? It was ages ago, but that line about women needing to know 100 ways to cook and eggplant brought it back. Anyway, great post. I will be making the flame-roasted variety soon – never tried it.