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    Oh My Veggies » Vegetarian Recipes » 30 Minutes or Less

    Eggplant Caviar

    Published: Jun 28, 2021 · by Nicole · Updated: May 17, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This eggplant caviar is a Russian-inspired dip or spread that's incredibly flavorful, and made from wholesome ingredients including lots of vegetables. Vegan, gluten-free, and delicious served either hot or cold.

    Eggplant caviar

    Since going vegan, I've recreated many of my favorite Russian recipes, some of which proved a bit of a challenge. For instance, I've made vegan piroshki (pastries) with cheese and dill, as well as a gluten-free version of pelmeni, which are typically made with lots of animal products.

    Vegan toast with dairy-free cream cheese and vegetable caviar

    But a lot of dishes that I ate in my childhood and that are popular in Russia are either vegan or vegetarian in their original form. And that makes life much easier! Now, all I have to do is recreate the original recipe, and share it on here. Eggplant caviar is a great example of such a dish.

    Toast with eggplant caviar

    What is eggplant caviar?

    Eggplant caviar is an amazing dip or spread that's made out of eggplant/aubergine, other vegetables, olive oil and a few simple spices. As I mentioned, it's incredibly popular in Russia, where I grew up, and other Eastern European countries. It's very rare to go to a special occasion at a Russian household where this dip isn't present!

    Vegetable caviar with eggplant and zucchini

    It's a very light and simple dish, given that it's mostly made out of vegetables. Different households make different versions of it, but the base tends to be very similar. The seasonings and add-ins can then be adjusted in accordance with personal preference.

    Toast with eggplant caviar and vegan cream cheese

    How to make eggplant caviar

    Start by heating some olive oil in a large pan. Use a very large pan for this to avoid overcrowding, or work in batches if you want to make a larger amount.

    • Onions and garlic in a frying pan
    • Vegetables in a frying pan

    Now, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant over a medium heat, for around 5 minutes. Now add the tomatoes, carrots, aubergines, zucchini, paprika, sugar and salt. Continue cooking for a further 10-15 minutes, until fully softened.

    Sautéd vegetables in a frying pan

    Transfer the vegetables to a blender or food processor and blend on a low speed, until around ¾ of the vegetables had been blended. Serve immediately while warm, or leave to chill in the fridge.

    Serving suggestions

    Eggplant caviar often makes an appearance at party tables and gatherings as a dip that always proves popular even with picky eaters. I love serving it as a dip for crackers/breadsticks, or spread on toast together with some vegan cream cheese.

    Eggplant caviar with zucchini

    You can also serve this vegetable dip with crispy roasted potatoes, sweet potato wedges, or zucchini fries. You can also serve it as a spread in wraps and sandwiches, or even black bean burgers.

    Storage instructions

    To store in the fridge, transfer to airtight jars and store for up to a week. This eggplant caviar is also freezer-friendly and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the frying pan from frozen when ready to serve.

    Vegetable caviar in a bowl

    Other vegan dip and spread recipes

    • Pkhali is a Georgian dip made from spinach and walnuts.
    • My spinach and artichoke dip is cosy and flavorful.
    • Pea and avocado pesto is super versatile!
    • You just can't go wrong with homemade vegan sour cream.
    • Chunky guacamole is perfect for any occasion.
    Eggplant caviar

    If you give this eggplant caviar a go, be sure to tag me on Instagram (@ohmyveggies), and leave your feedback in the comments below together with a star rating - I love hearing from you!

    Click here to pin this for later

    Recipe

    Eggplant Caviar

    This eggplant caviar is easy to make from simple ingredients, including lots of vegetables. It's fantastic as a dip or a spread that's vegan and gluten-free.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Email Recipe
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Course: Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Russian, Vegan
    Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
    Keyword: aubergine, carrots, earth of maria, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 103kcal
    Author: Oh My Veggies

    Equipment

    • Frying pan
    • Blender

    Ingredients

    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 large onion diced
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 3 large tomatoes diced
    • 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
    • 2 medium eggplants diced
    • 2 medium zucchinis diced
    • 2 tsp paprika
    • 1 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tsp salt
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Heat some olive oil in a large pan. Now, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant over a medium heat, for around 5 minutes.
    • Add the tomatoes, carrots, aubergines, zucchini, paprika, sugar and salt. Continue cooking for a further 10-15 minutes, until fully softened.
    • Transfer the vegetables to a blender or food processor and blend on a low speed, until around ¾ of the vegetables had been blended.
    • Serve immediately while warm, or leave to chill in the fridge.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 103kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 314mgPotassium: 651mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3947IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
    Craving more veg-friendly recipes? Shop our collection of vegetarian and vegan cookbooks, including our new Vegan Thanksgiving and Vegan Christmas cookbooks!
    « Vegan Polish Cucumber Salad
    The Best Vegan Crepes »

    10 Ingredients or Less, 30 Minutes or Less, Earth of Maria, Gluten-free Vegan Recipes, Nut Free Vegan Recipes, Vegan Appetizers, Vegan Recipes, Vegan Russian Food, Vegetarian Appetizers, Vegetarian Recipes Aubergine, Carrot, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini

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    Nicole is a life long vegetarian and the author of the popular vegan cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. She loves sharing her recipes and showing the world just how easy and delicious meatless meals can be!
    Learn more here.

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