The recipe for Tortang talong is the last one from the Menu Amore d’Oriente for “Building the menu” dedicated to love and Valentine’s Day.
Also known as eggplant omelet, it is made by pan-frying whole grilled eggplants dipped in an egg mixture.
The name tortang talong means “eggplant omelet”; from a suffixed form of torta (“omelet” or “cake”) and talong (eggplant) and is sometimes shortened to tortalong.
The basic recipe involves first grilling whole eggplants until the flesh becomes soft and the skin is charred and almost black.
This can be done either on a grill, in an oven, or on a direct flame by wrapping the eggplants in aluminum foil.
The most common varieties of eggplants used are purple, long, and thin, which in the Philippines are green, keeping the stem.
It is a popular breakfast and lunch meal in the Philippines, served on white rice and sometimes accompanied by a sauce (such as soy sauce, vinegar, banana ketchup) or with additional condiments like black pepper, calamansi, or chili peppers.
It can also be served as a side dish to meat dishes.
A common variant of tortang talong is: rellenong talong, where the eggplants are stuffed with meat, fish, and/or vegetables.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer
Ingredients
- 3 eggplants (long)
- 3 eggs
Steps
Wash the eggplants, make cuts in the flesh, and bake whole at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Allow to cool, remove the skin, flatten the flesh (do not remove the stem).
Dry.
Beat the eggs.
In a pan, pour plenty of oil.
Dip the eggplants in the egg and fry them, pouring part of the egg over them. Flip them and pour the remaining part.
FAQ
How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with all the now international aspects, with chocolates, flowers, and romantic gestures between couples. Additionally, on February 14th, it is one of the favorite days for couples to get married.
A real mass phenomenon, with thousands of couples saying “I do” one after another, including those renewing their vows.
So many couples that to accommodate everyone, weddings are conducted in public places like malls and theaters.
The most famous event in the Philippines for Valentine’s Day is “dovapalooza“.
Thousands of couples gather on the shores of Manila Bay and at midnight the couples kiss and keep their lips together for several seconds.
