{"id":"recipe_7f29daa6bf","slug":"melitzanosalata-greek-eggplant-dip","title":"Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)","description":"A classic Mediterranean smoky eggplant dip made with roasted eggplants, garlic, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":45,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":20},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"2 large eggplants","name":"Eggplant","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"whole","notes":"large","group":"main","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"2 garlic cloves, minced","name":"Garlic","quantity":2,"unit":"clove","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"clove","form":"minced","notes":"","group":"flavorings","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil","name":"Olive Oil","quantity":60,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"1/4","usUnit":"cup","form":"extra virgin","notes":"","group":"flavorings","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice","name":"Lemon juice","quantity":22.5,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1.5,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"fresh","notes":"adjust to taste","group":"flavorings","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped","name":"Chopped Parsley","quantity":8,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"chopped","notes":"fresh flat-leaf","group":"flavorings","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1/2 tsp salt","name":"Salt","quantity":3,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.5,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"fine","notes":"to taste","group":"flavorings","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"1/4 tsp black pepper","name":"Black Pepper","quantity":0.5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.25,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"flavorings","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Prick the eggplants in several places with a fork to prevent them from bursting.","group":"Preparation","title":"Preheat your oven","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Place the eggplants on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes, or until the skin is charred and wrinkled and the flesh feels very soft.","group":"Cooking","title":"Place the eggplants","timerMinutes":45,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Remove from the oven and let them cool until they can be handled. Cut the eggplants in half and scoop out the soft flesh into a bowl, discarding the skins.","group":"Preparation","title":"Remove from the oven and let them cool","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Mash the eggplant flesh with a fork or roughly chop it for a more textured dip. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.","group":"Mixing","title":"Mash the eggplant flesh","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Mixing"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust lemon or salt if needed. Serve at room temperature or chilled with pita bread.","group":"Serving","title":"Stir well to combine","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Serving"}],"notes":"For a smokier flavor, you can roast the eggplants over an open flame on a gas stove until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.","cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"cookingMethod":["roast"],"equipment":["baking sheet","fork","mixing bowl"],"diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb","mediterranean"],"allergens":[],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":4,"unit":"servings","note":"Approximately 1.5 cups total"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The flavors develop more if made a few hours in advance and kept in the fridge."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.","reheatingNotes":"Best served cold or at room temperature."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_7f29daa6bf%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=613966ad-96dd-423e-9fa0-72bc2d103cca","imageAlt":"Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["eggplant","dip","greek","healthy","vegan","mediterranean","meze"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T01:51:43.819Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T01:51:43.819Z","related":[{"id":"ac_l_ezme_d064be0373","slug":"acili-ezme","title":"Acılı Ezme","description":"A classic Turkish spicy vegetable salad and condiment featuring finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, and onions, balanced with the tang of pomegranate molasses and aromatic herbs.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Turkish"]},"course":["sauce","appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fac_l_ezme_d064be0373%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=ac6fc624-4435-4cfa-9991-d45441036707","imageAlt":"Acılı Ezme — recipe cover","tags":["spicy","dip","vegetable","healthy","turkish","mezze"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":14,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_2f05621352","slug":"bouyiourdi-greek-baked-feta","title":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta)","description":"A traditional Greek meze featuring salty feta cheese baked until melted with juicy tomatoes, spicy peppers, and fragrant extra virgin olive oil.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_2f05621352%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=fd6db74e-cfd9-46b5-aa96-6e0e76c26c9a","imageAlt":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta) — recipe cover","tags":["feta","baked cheese","greek meze","spicy","vegetarian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_66184712aa","slug":"creamy-homemade-hummus","title":"Creamy Homemade Hummus","description":"A silky, rich, and authentic Mediterranean chickpea dip blended with nutty tahini, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for dipping or as a spread.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Levantine","Middle Eastern"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","high_protein","mediterranean","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_66184712aa%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=648d20cf-84fe-4052-b8d8-79fced2e9554","imageAlt":"Creamy Homemade Hummus — recipe cover","tags":["hummus","chickpeas","vegan","healthy","mediterranean","dip","high protein","gluten free"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5}]}