Roasted Eggplant with Harissa-Tahini Sauce

A robust blend of flavors - hearty lentils infused with harissa warmth, complemented by the crisp tang of pickled fennel.

You can find the video here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/878342733560445036/

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Total time: 1hr. Servings: 4

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Ingredients :

2 small to medium globe eggplants (about 2 lbs.), ends trimmed and halved lengthwise

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 tbsp. lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari

2 tsp. mild harissa

1 tsp. maple syrup

salt

chopped roasted cashews and fresh herbs for garnish (I like parsley or mint)

For Harissa-Tahini Sauce

2 tbsp. tahini (sesame seed paste)

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 tsp. mild harissa

1 tsp. maple syrup

1 tsp. minced fresh garlic

¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 :

Step 1 - Place a rack in the upper third of oven, and preheat to 400°F / 200°C

Step 2 - Use a sharp knife to score flesh of eggplant in a crosshatch design. Sprinkle generously with salt, and let sit for 20 minutes.

Step 3 - Use a paper towel to blot condensation from eggplant. (Salting the eggplant before roasting draws out excess moisture so the eggplant is less bitter and more tender.)

Step 4 - Transfer eggplant to a baking sheet and coat with 1 to 2 tbsp. olive oil. Bake, flesh side-down, for 20 minutes.

Step 5 - In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp. olive oil, soy sauce, harissa, and maple syrup; stir with a whisk. Remove eggplant from the oven and increase oven temperature to 450°F / 230°C

Step 6 - Brush soy sauce mixture over flesh of eggplant, letting it seep into the scores.

Step 7 - Turn eggplant back over so it's flesh side-down, and roast for another 15 minutes.

Step 8 - Meanwhile, prepare the Harissa-Tahini Sauce by combining tahini, lemon juice, harissa, maple syrup, and garlic in a small bowl.

Step 9 - Whisk to combine, and season with salt and pepper. Add 1 tbsp. water to thin out, if needed.

Step 10 - Transfer roasted eggplant to a serving platter, and drizzle Harissa-Tahini Sauce overtop.

Step 11 - Garnish with chopped cashews and fresh herbs.

𝑩𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒕! 😊🤍