SMOKY EGGPLANT SPREAD

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Smoky Eggplant Spread image

Essentially a delightful eggplant schmear to eat with warm pita triangles, this spread gets its pleasant smoky flavor from a deliberate charring of the eggplant skin. Whether over hot coals or under the broiler, the eggplant must be mercilessly blackened (the inner sweet flesh gets steamed to softness in the process). Tahini, olive oil, cumin, lemon and hot pepper take care of the rest.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dips and spreads

Time 40m

Yield about 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 medium eggplants, about 2 pounds
Salt
1/4 cup tahini paste
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, mashed to a paste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed, toasted until fragrant and coarsely ground
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
Pita or other flatbread, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Prepare a charcoal fire or heat the broiler. Pierce eggplants here and there with the point of a paring knife. Place eggplants 2 inches from heat source. Allow skins to blister and char, turning with tongs until entire surface is blackened and eggplants are completely soft, about 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
  • Slice eggplants in half lengthwise and lay skin side down on a cutting board. Carefully scrape away flesh with a knife and put it in a colander. Discard burned skins. Do not rinse eggplant flesh - a few bits of remaining char is fine. Salt flesh lightly and leave for 5 to 10 minutes, then squeeze into a ball to remove liquid.
  • Blitz eggplant, 1/2 teaspoon salt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and cayenne in a food processor or blender to obtain a creamy purée. (For a more rustic spread, beat with a whisk instead.) Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice if necessary. Transfer mixture to a shallow serving bowl.
  • Just before serving, stir together cumin and olive oil, and spoon over the mixture's surface. Sprinkle with paprika, parsley and mint. Serve with warm pita cut into triangles if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 157, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 423 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

Meer Sab
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This is the best eggplant spread I've ever had! It's so smoky and flavorful, and it's the perfect balance of tangy and creamy. I love it on crackers, pita bread, or even just by itself.


EditedKimberlana
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I love this spread! It's so versatile, and I can use it in so many different ways. I love it on sandwiches, wraps, and even as a dip for vegetables. It's also a great way to add some extra flavor to grilled meats and fish.


Mdshohan Mithun
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This spread is so easy to make, and it's so delicious. I love that it's a healthy snack that I can feel good about eating. It's also a great way to use up leftover eggplant.


Laide Fowosere
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I've made this spread several times now, and it's always a hit. My friends and family love it, and it's always the first thing to disappear at parties. It's so versatile, too. I love it on crackers, pita bread, or even just by itself.


ALLANz Uganda
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This is a great recipe for a party appetizer. It's easy to make ahead of time, and it's always a hit with my guests. I love serving it with pita bread and fresh vegetables.


wasana kumari
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I'm always looking for new and healthy snacks, and this eggplant spread fits the bill perfectly. It's packed with flavor, and it's a great source of fiber and antioxidants. I love that it's also gluten-free and vegan.


Busola Wuraola
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This is the best eggplant spread I've ever had! It's so smoky and flavorful, and it's the perfect balance of tangy and creamy. I love it on crackers, pita bread, or even just by itself.


wiam to
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I love this spread! It's so versatile, and I can use it in so many different ways. I love it on sandwiches, wraps, and even as a dip for vegetables. It's also a great way to add some extra flavor to grilled meats and fish.


Amanuel Meseret
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This spread is so easy to make, and it's so delicious. I love that it's a healthy snack that I can feel good about eating. It's also a great way to use up leftover eggplant.


oyelade mariam
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I'm always looking for new and healthy snacks, and this eggplant spread fits the bill perfectly. It's packed with flavor, and it's a great source of fiber and antioxidants. I love that it's also gluten-free and vegan.


Dus Khan
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This is the best eggplant spread I've ever had! It's so smoky and flavorful, and it's the perfect balance of tangy and creamy. I love it on crackers, pita bread, or even just by itself.


Shekainah Refuge Radio ESSYQUEEN
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I love this spread! It's so versatile, and I can use it in so many different ways. I love it on sandwiches, wraps, and even as a dip for vegetables. It's also a great way to add some extra flavor to grilled meats and fish.


Kukon Ahmed
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This is a great recipe for a party appetizer. It's easy to make ahead of time, and it's always a hit with my guests. I love serving it with pita bread and fresh vegetables.


Cristiano Strydom
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I'm not a huge fan of eggplant, but this spread is delicious! The smokiness of the eggplant is perfectly balanced by the creaminess of the tahini and the tanginess of the lemon juice. I will definitely be making this again.


Babra Jalal
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This spread is so easy to make, and it's so delicious. I love that it's a healthy snack that I can feel good about eating. It's also a great way to use up leftover eggplant.


SR Hridiy
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I was a bit skeptical about this recipe at first, but I'm so glad I tried it. The smoky flavor of the eggplant is incredible, and the tahini and lemon juice add the perfect amount of tanginess. I will definitely be making this again.


NOOB Gamerz
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I've made this spread several times now, and it's always a hit. My friends and family love it, and it's always the first thing to disappear at parties. It's so versatile, too. I love it on crackers, pita bread, or even just by itself.


William Moore
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This eggplant spread is amazing! It's so smoky and flavorful, and it's the perfect appetizer or snack. I love that it's made with simple, healthy ingredients, and it's so easy to make.