How to Make Melenzana Ali Olio - A Step-by-Step Guide

Melenzana Ali Olio is a classic Italian dish that is both simple and delicious. This traditional recipe features eggplant, garlic, and olive oil, and is a great way to enjoy the bold flavors of Italian cuisine. Whether you're a vegetarian looking for a satisfying meal or just someone who loves a good eggplant dish, Melenzana Ali Olio is a perfect choice.

What makes this recipe so special is the way the eggplant is prepared. By roasting the eggplant until it's soft and slightly charred...

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Ingredients

  • 4 medium eggplants
  • ½ cup coarse salt
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 bulb garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Information

  • Prep Time: 1 day 12 hrs
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 1 day 12 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 4 cups

  • On the evening before you intend to make the dish, prepare the eggplant. Cut the ends off the eggplants, and peel. Cut the peeled eggplant into long strips about as big around as shoestring french fries. Place the strips into a large bowl, and stir in 1/2 cup of coarse salt.
  • Place a sturdy dinner plate upside down in a clean sink, making sure that the drain is not blocked. Place a generous handful of the eggplant strips onto the center of the plate, and cover with another upside down dinner plate to create an eggplant sandwich. Layer more eggplant and plates until all of the eggplant is sandwiched. Cap it off with one additional plate, and press down firmly. Set a sturdy stock pot on top, and fill with enough water to create some pressure on the eggplant layers. Not so much pressure that you break your dishes though. Let this pressing process stand overnight.
  • The next day, fill a large bowl with ice water. Begin dismantling your stack of plates. One layer (handful) at a time, briefly swish the eggplant around in the ice water, then squeeze dry and place into a clean bowl. If your hand starts to hurt, you are swishing too long. Once all of the eggplant is rinsed and squeezed and in the bowl, mix in the vinegar. Let rest for about 15 minutes.
  • Heat a splash of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano and sea salt. Cook and stir just until fragrant. You do not want to cook the garlic. Set aside to cool.
  • Your eggplants should be well rested now. Give them one last squeeze. Make it a good one, or your melenzana is going to taste like pickles. ''Don't worry, this is the last time, I promise...'' (This is to be said to the poor little melenzana - they've been through so much!)
  • Place the squeezed eggplants into a large bowl, and stir in the contents of the skillet and remaining olive oil until well blended. Transfer to sterile 1 pint or 1/2 pint jars. Make sure to fill the jars to the top, and top off with any olive oil that may be left in the bowl. Wipe the rims with a clean dry cloth, and seal tightly with new lids. Refrigerate for at least a month before opening.
  • Nutrition

    291 cal.

    • Total Fat: 28g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Sodium: 2698mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 9g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 5mg
    • Calcium: 22mg
    • Iron: 32mg
    • Potassium: 357mg