Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Grilled Eggplant Salad)

About This Recipe

Ensaladang talong charrs whole eggplant over an open flame until the skin blackens and the flesh turns smoky and soft, then flakes it apart and tosses it with diced tomato, onion and a simple vinegar dressing. Unlike heavier vegetable dishes, this salad stays light and bright, its smoky eggplant playing against the sharp acidity of vinegar and the freshness of raw onion and tomato. Traditionally served alongside grilled or fried fish as part of a larger Filipino meal, this salad's smokiness and tang provide a natural, refreshing counterpoint to richer, saltier dishes on the same table.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 3long Asian eggplants
• 2tomatoes(diced)
• 1/2red onion(finely diced)
• 3 tbspvinegar
• 2 tbspvegetable oil
• 1/2 tspsalt
• 1/4 tspblack pepper
• 2 tbspchopped cilantro(for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Char the eggplants

   Grill or char the whole eggplants over an open flame or under a broiler, turning, until the skin is blackened all over and the flesh is soft, about 10-12 minutes.

2. 2

   Cool and peel

   Let cool slightly, then peel away the charred skin.

   Peel the eggplant by hand rather than rinsing under water, since water washes away much of the smoky flavor that defines this salad.

3. 3

   Flake the flesh

   Flake or roughly chop the smoky eggplant flesh.

4. 4

   Combine

   Toss the eggplant with diced tomato and red onion.

5. 5

   Dress

   Whisk vinegar, oil, salt and pepper, then pour over the salad and toss gently.

6. 6

   Serve

   Garnish with cilantro and serve at room temperature.

Variations

• •

  Adding flaked fried fish or shrimp turns this into a more substantial dish.

• •

  Some versions add a bit of fish sauce to the dressing for extra savory depth.

• •

  A version with grilled bell pepper added alongside the eggplant gives extra color and sweetness.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 2 days in an airtight container; the flavor holds up reasonably well, though it's best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions