BBQ Smoked Eggplant with Tahini & Pomegranate
BBQ Smoked Eggplant with Tahini & Pomegranate
This recipe combines the smoky flavour of BBQ eggplant with the creamy richness of tahini and the sweet-tart burst of pomegranate. It's a flavourful and visually appealing dish, perfect as an appetiser or a side.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 3 tbsp Tahini Dressing
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 handful of roughly chopped parsley
- ½ pomegranate, seeded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment:
- BBQ grill
- Knife
- Bowl
- Fork
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant: Pierce the eggplants with the tip of a knife before putting them onto the grill.
- BBQ the Eggplant: Set up your BBQ for direct cooking with the stainless steel grid above the coals. Get it to 250°C. Turn your eggplants every few minutes until they've thoroughly softened through, this will take about 20-25 minutes.
- Cool and Scoop: Take them off the BBQ and let them cool enough so that you can handle them. Cut them in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh into a bowl, discard the skins.
- Mash and Mix: Mash the flesh a little with a fork. Add the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley and mix through. Season to taste.
- Serve: Spread over a shallow dish, scatter the pomegranate seeds on top, and drizzle with oil.
Tips for Success:
- Char the Eggplant: Don't be afraid to char the eggplant skin; this imparts the smoky flavour.
- Tahini Quality: Use good-quality tahini for the best flavour.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is preferred.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more garlic, lemon juice, or molasses if desired.
- Serving Options: Serve with raw vegetables, lamb, or fish.
A Short Telling on its Delicious Taste:
The BBQ smoked eggplant offers a delightful smoky flavour that is both savoury and slightly sweet. The tahini adds a creamy, nutty richness, while the lemon juice provides a tangy counterpoint. Fresh parsley contributes a bright, herbaceous note, and the pomegranate seeds offer bursts of sweet-tartness and a pleasant crunch. The olive oil drizzled on top enhances the overall richness and texture of the dish.