Monday, February 28, 2011

morrocan smoke eggplant

INGREDIENTS

* 1 medium-sized eggplant (aubergine)
* 3 tbsps olive oil
* salt to taste (it will need it)
* ½ tsp cumin powder
* juice of ½ a small lemon
* 1 tsp sweet paprika
* 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
* black pepper
* Drizzle of olive oil for topping

METHOD

You will need an open flame or gas stove for this. Place eggplant (aubergine) with a long fork stuck into it on the naked flame, and turn frequently in order to scorch and blacken it. Have a wide bowl next to you in case the eggplant weeps – all the juices are essential. Once all the eggplant is black, place in a large open bowl, and allow to cool. At this point, peel off the black skin and discard (you may need a bowl of water next to you to wash off any skin that has stuck to your fingers). Place the remaining flesh in a bowl, and mash it until you have a nice thickened pulp.

Fry the olive oil, garlic and spices in a small saucepan for a minute or so, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until it takes on a nice deep orange colour. Mix and mash further, and then place in a bowl. Shape it nicely with a fork, and finally drizzle some olive oil on top. Allow to cool, and refrigerate. Now you have yourself a most delicious dip ! Serve as you wish – I often serve it as a stand-alone dip for sharing with friends, or as part of a main course with stuffed artichokes – a healthy and tasty meal indeed

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