Smoky Eggplant Spread with Grilled Anchovies
Nothing imparts Greek summer more than the smokey aroma of eggplants and fish on the grill. This wonderful dish is a contemporary classic in Greek cuisine. To find some of the artisinal Greek products you'll need to make this, visit my online shop here, where you'll discover a host of lovingly curated Greek ingredients.
RATING
Ingredients
- 4 large eggplants
- 1/2 – 1 cup extra virgin Greek olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of sugar
- 2 teaspoons mashed garlic optional
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 – 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar optional and to taste
- 1 pound / ½ kilo fresh anchovies heads on, gutted*
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Light the grill.
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Grill the eggplants whole over medium flame on the barbecue. Turn so that they char and soften all around. They will need between 15 and 30 minutes to grill, soften and cook through, depending on how large and firm they are. When the eggplants are done, remove with tongs to a large stainless steel bowl and seal either with plastic wrap, aluminum foil or a close-fitting lid. Let the eggplants cool inside the bowl until you can handle them.
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Place ½ cup olive oil inside a large mixing bowl. Remove the eggplants one at a time from their bowl and transfer to a cutting board. Score down the middle lengthwise to open into two halves, like a butterfly. Score the flesh with a paring knife and remove it with a tablespoon, scraping as much out as possible. Place the warm eggplant flesh directly in the olive oil and pick out any pieces of charred skin that may fall in. Continue with remaining eggplants.
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Season to taste with salt and a pinch of sugar. Stir the eggplant pulp and olive oil together, adding more olive oil, if needed, to make a smooth and somewhat velvety but chunky mash. Season with garlic and/or balsamic if desired, and stir in the parsley. Set aside.
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Toss the cleaned anchovies with olive oil, salt and pepper and grill lightly, turning once. They should take just a few minutes to cook through.
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Notes
To clean anchovies: With a sharp paring knife pull off the head and connected guts. The best way to do this is to gently tug at the head from the top (spine) side down toward the belly of the little fish. The innards will come off all together. Hold the fish under running water and use your index finger to scoop out any remaining viscera. Drain the fish in a colander.
