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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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The creamy Middle Eastern eggplant dip called baba ghanouj is traditionally served with warm pita and an assortment of salads. Here, we top the pita with the dip and a mixture of romaine, tomato, and cucumber for an extraordinarily tasty meal. Ingredients:
2 large eggplants (about 2 pounds each), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes |
3 tablespoons olive oil |
3/4 teaspoon salt |
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper |
8 pitas |
1/4 cup lemon juice (from about 1 lemon) |
1/3 cup tahini |
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin |
2 cloves garlic, peeled |
1 small head romaine lettuce (about 3/4 pound), cut crosswise into 1-inch strips (about 5 cups) |
1 plum tomato, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into thin strips |
1 cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced thin |
1/2 teaspoon wine vinegar |
Directions:
1. Heat the oven to 450°. Put the eggplant cubes on a large baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons of the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Arrange the cubes in a single layer and roast, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Reduce the heat to 350°. Wrap the pitas in aluminum foil, making two packets of four, and warm in the oven for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, put the roasted eggplant, the lemon juice, tahini, cumin, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a blender or food processor puree until smooth.
4. In a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. Add the vinegar and the remaining tablespoon of oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Spread some of the baba ghanouj on each pita and then top with the salad.
5. Wine Recommendation: Food-friendly shiraz is the daily wine of Australia, though many quite serious versions made for aging can be found as well. Steer clear of those blockbusters, however, to enjoy shiraz's lush blackberry fruit and supple texture with this recipe.
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