Irresistible 5-Star Escalivada: The Ultimate Spanish Grilled Veggies
Escalivada is a traditional Catalan dish from Spain, made primarily from roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, eggplant (aubergine), and onions. It's typically served as a side dish or tapas and can be enjoyed on its own, with bread, or as an accompaniment to various dishes. Here's a basic recipe for escalivada:
Ingredients
- 2 Red bell peppers
- 1 Large eggplant
- 1 Red onion
- 2 Cloves of garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry the vegetables. Pierce the skin of the eggplant and bell peppers in a few places with a fork to prevent them from bursting during roasting.
- Place the whole bell peppers, eggplant, and red onion on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack. You may want to put a piece of foil or a baking sheet under them to catch any drips.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are charred and the flesh is soft. You'll want to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- While the vegetables are roasting, you can roast the garlic as well. Place the unpeeled garlic cloves on a small piece of foil, drizzle with a little olive oil, and wrap them up in the foil. Roast them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become soft.
- Remove the roasted vegetables and garlic from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Once the vegetables are cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin from the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Remove the skin from the eggplant as well. Slice the peeled vegetables into strips or chunks, according to your preference.
- Slice the roasted red onion.
- In a serving dish, arrange the roasted vegetables and the roasted garlic. Drizzle them generously with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little red wine vinegar for some extra flavor if you like.
- Gently toss the vegetables to combine all the flavors and serve the escalivada warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Escalivada is a flavorful and healthy dish that's perfect for a light meal or as part of a tapas spread. Enjoy it with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats or fish.