What is this thing? It’s not sushi, though it’s wrapped in seaweed. It’s not a burrito, thought it encases a juicy filling of veggies and meatiness. And it’s not a dolmade (wrapped grape leaves), though it has Mediterranean flavors.
Whatever this is, this is an umami triumph. First, I got some a sheet of seaweed and spooned a line of Roumanian Eggplant salad, an ambrosia of roasted eggplant, garlic and red pepper. (I got mine at Titan in Astoria, though Russ & Daughters also makes a nice RE.) Then I cracked some fresh mushrooms on top, drizzled it with some liquid aminos and wrapped it up. I loved how the eggplant moistened the seaweed to a pliant chew and the raw mushrooms added a foamy pop. Given its vegetarian multi-culti leanings, I don’t know where you could order such a dish. All the more reason to make it yourself.
P.S. For those who also speak in an urban vocabulary, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. For everyone else, apparently this is what Roumanian Eggplant means on the streets. (Yuck. And, huh?)
