Charles Phan's Roasted Eggplant and Leek Salad

close up of roasted eggplant and leek salad
Eric Wolfinger

The name "Roasted Eggplant and Leek Salad" inCharles Phan'sVietnamese Home Cookingis a bit of a misnomer. Yes, this dish has eggplant and leeks, but no, it is not a roasted salad. (Unless, of course, you count grilling as roasting.) If you happen to live in a wondrous state with no real winter (cough, California, cough), grilling in January is a non-issue. In other parts of the country, however, it may be necessary to bring the dish indoors and under a broiler. Either way, this silky smoky salad should go on your to-make list, stat—soft eggplant meets pleasantly squeaky leeks in a vibrant sauce of soy, chiles, and cilantro. What's not to love?

Why I picked this recipe:A grilled (or broiled, as the case may be) salad makes for a welcome taste of summer in the middle of winter.

What worked:Smoky grilled eggplant plus sweet leeks makes for a silky side dish packed with vegetal flavor.

What didn't:I would have liked a little more spice in my spicy soy, but this is just a minor quibble.

Suggested tweaks:If you're not into grilling in the middle of winter (I feel you), the dish works well when prepared under a broiler. The cooking times work out about the same as written in the recipe, but you will miss out on some smoky charcoal flavor. The salad tastes great slightly warm as well as the next day, cold from the fridge.

Reprinted with permission fromVietnamese Home Cookingby Charles Phan, copyright 2012. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House. All rights reserved. Available wherever books are sold.

Recipe Facts

Active:45 mins
Total:105 mins
Serves:6 servings

Rate & Comment

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  • 4 Rosa Bianca orglobe eggplants(about3 1/2poundstotal)

  • Kosher salt

  • 12baby leeks, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise

  • 4tablespoonscanola oil

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 1/2cups loosely packedfresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

  • 1/2cupspicy soy sauce

  • 1tablespoonfreshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

  1. Trim stem end of each eggplant, peel and slice lengthwise into 1-inch slices. Sprinkle with salt and set aside to drain, 1 hour. After an hour, pat slices dry with a paper towel.

  2. While eggplant slices are draining, prepare a medium fire for direct heat grilling in a charcoal grill (you should be able to hold your hand 1 inch above the grate for only 4 to 5 seconds).

  3. When coals are ready, drizzle leeks with 2 tablespoons of oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place leeks on the grate and cook, turning as needed, for about 15 minutes, until soft and charred in spots. Transfer to a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam while you cook eggplant.

  4. Drizzle eggplant slices on both sides with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, then sprinkle on both sides with salt and pepper. Grill slices, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until very soft and browned.

  5. Remove eggplant slices from the grill. When cool enough to handle, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and transfer to a serving bowl. Cut leeks crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices and add to eggplant. Add cilantro and toss to combine.

  6. In a small bowl, whisk together spicy soy sauce and lime juice. Pour over eggplant-leek mixture and toss to coat evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper and serve.

Nutrition Facts(per serving)
212 Calories
10g Fat
31g Carbs
5g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 212
% Daily Value*
Total Fat10g 13%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol0mg 0%
Sodium1389mg 60%
Total Carbohydrate31g 11%
Dietary Fiber 8g 28%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein5g
Vitamin C 9mg 43%
Calcium 52mg 4%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 517mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)