Kyopolou Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Eggplant Spread

If you're a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, then you must try Kyopolou. This delicious eggplant spread is a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is usually served as an appetizer or side dish. With its smoky flavor and creamy texture, it's no wonder why Kyopolou has become so popular.

In this article, we'll show you how to make this mouth-watering dip using simple ingredients that are easy to find. So let's get started!

What is Kyopolou?

Kyopolou is a traditional Bulgarian dish made with roasted eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers. The name "Kyopolou" comes from the village of Kyupriya in Bulgaria, where the recipe originated.

The dish has a rich smoky flavor thanks to the roasted eggplants and is usually served chilled. It can be eaten as a dip with bread, crackers or vegetables, or used as a topping for sandwiches or grilled meats.

Ingredients

To make Kyopolou, you'll need:

• 2 large eggplants (about 1 kg)
• 3 medium-sized tomatoes
• 2 red peppers
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Cut the tomatoes and peppers in half and remove the seeds.
4. Place the tomatoes and peppers on the same baking sheet as the eggplants, cut side down. Add the garlic cloves as well.
5. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and nicely charred.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
8. Peel the skin off the eggplants and remove the stem. Peel the skin off the tomatoes and peppers as well.
9. Finely chop the onion and add it to a bowl.
10. Add the roasted vegetables to the bowl and mash everything with a fork or a potato masher.
11. Add the red wine vinegar and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
12. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for garnish.
13. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Variations

There are many ways to customize Kyopolou to make it your own. Here are some ideas:

• Add some spicy heat by including a chili pepper or two in the roasting mix.
• Use different types of peppers to vary the flavor. For example, you could use green bell peppers, banana peppers, or even hot peppers.
• Add some chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for some extra crunch.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil instead of parsley or cilantro.

Kyopolou is a delicious and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's quick and easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste. Whether you serve it as a dip, a spread, or a topping, it's sure to be a hit.

So next time you're looking for a flavorful appetizer or side dish, give Kyopolou a try. You won't be disappointed!

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