Party Favorite
May 21, 2012 § 6 Comments
This is not about fancy food fare. This salad accompanies almost any ‘inihaw” (grilled) dish that might be served during a fiesta or in my case, any gatherings at home. Easy to put together and never fails to liven up a table of food fare. I think this dish paved the way to my loving eggplants.
This month’s KCC challenge (hosted by Elizabeth and Dudut) was to feature a regional “Fiesta” specialty of one’s province. I grew up in Quezon City and fiestas I only came to know (and sometimes attend) when I am a grown up already. But this refreshing ensalada (salad) is almost always present during parties thrown at home so I think it should count as the family specialty.
Ensaladang Talong
The roasted flavor of the eggplant is the key that gives this dish a hint of the “ihaw” or charred flavor while the sili (chili) gives it a nice kick.
What you need:
- 2 tbsps. shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 salad tomato, diced
- 1 small green or red bell pepper
- 1 green finger chili (siling pangsigang), seed, deveined and chopped
- 3 eggplants (about 150g. / pc)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
What you do:
- Roast the eggplants directly over an open fire until charred or in the oven. Allow to cool. Peel the eggplants and discard stems.
- Cut the peeled eggplants into small chunks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix all other ingredients together and drizzle with Coconut Vinaigrette.
- Garnish with the remaining portions of the bell peppers and green finger chili.
Coconut Vinaigrette
What you need:
- 1/8 cup coconut cream
- 1 gm. ginger, peeled and minced.
- ½ green finger chili, seed, deveined and chopped
- 1 tbsp vinegar (I used sukang niyog)
- salt and pepper to taste
What you do:
- Combine coconut cream, ginger, green finger, chili and vinegar in a bowl. Stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir again.
Storm In My Kitchen 
ensaladang talong perks up any dish: inihaw or prito. always a favorite. yum i could almost taste it. i like the coconut vinaigrette that you shared too. great contribution to this month’s challenge.
I love your dressing !!! thank you for sharing !!! Malou is right, this perks up inihaw and prito dishes ! =)
Indeed, great with just about anything! My ensaladang talong is so simple compared to your dressing… must-try!
You are right! This is a must-have if you have inihaw!
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Oh, I’m sure this ensalada goes really well with inihaw and to me it will be inihaw na liempo (pork belly), yummy! Thank you for sharing this delicious Kulinarya entry.