Roasted Eggplant Dip (Zaalouk)

Roasted Eggplant Dip (Zaalouk)

Ingredients

• 2 eggplants (about 12 ounces each)
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt, or more as needed
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces peeled, seeded and finely chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin, toasted
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch ground cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Assorted Crudite and Pita for serving (sliced cucumbers, radishes, carrots, celery etc)

Instructions

1. Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiling element; preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then lightly grease with cooking oil spray.
2. Cut the eggplants in half and place them cut sides down on the baking sheet. Broil for about 20 minutes or until blackened and collapsed. Transfer the eggplants to a colander to cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and let it drain in the colander, discarding any large pockets of seeds. Squeeze gently to extract more juices.
3. Use the flat side of a chef’s knife to crush the garlic (to taste). Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and mash to form a paste.
4. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in an enameled cast-iron pan, over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the tomatoes, salted garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have thickened into a sauce and most of the moisture in the pot has evaporated.
5. Add the eggplant flesh, using the back of a spoon or fork to crush any big lumps. Stir in the cilantro and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, to form a mixture that is thick yet not dry. Transfer to a serving bowl. Fold in the lemon juice and the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons oil. Taste and add more salt, as needed.