Eggplant Caviar (Caviar d'aubergines)

Eggplant Caviar ... Yes, I know, it sounds a little bit pretentious to mingle those two words.

But this is how when call them in france.

It's a very popular dish in the south east.

I have to say I had the opportunity to taste a microscopic teaspoon of real caviar, years ago.

My brother in law was marine, in the french navy. His ship went to russia. 

He came back with a tiny box of caviar, for my parents. 

My family is numerous : we're four sisters, two brothers in law, six children and nephews and a lot of uncles and aunts, and grands-parents.
To have the chance to taste this teaspoon needed to be PRESENT when my parents would have opened this gift ...

I had this chance ... (diabolic laugh).

I remember it was salty and strong. But very original.

Well, this recipe won't taste the same as Russian Caviar, for sure ... 

But look the good side of life : It won't cost as much as it either !

This recipe is very easy to prepare. It's just take a long time to cook. 

Here what you'll need, for 4 persons (yes, it's new, I'm adding for how many persons... I'm full of surprises !) : 

• 3 big eggplants
• Olive oil
• 3 little cloves of garlic
• And for once, I tell it : Salt and pepper ! 

Your oven must be preheated at 180°C (350°F / Th 6).

Step 1 :
Pour 6 tablespoon of olive oil in a little recipient, and press the garlic in it.

Step 2 :
Cut the peduncle of the eggplants.

Step 3 :
Cut eggplants in two, in the large side.

Step 4 :
With the knife point, carve the flesh in criss cross.

Step 5 :
The funny part that your children will like to make !
Take a brush, and spread the olive oil/garlic mixture on them.

Add salt and pepper. Here's what it looks like after this operation.

Step 6 :

In the oven, for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

They must be grilled but tender. 

With a teaspoon, eat the flesh, without the skin.

My son told me :
"Yuuum ... It smells good ! What we're going to eat ? French fries ??", with a big smile !
And I replied :
"Yeeeees !" ... with a big smile.

He's old enough to learn that life is cruel and unfair.