Eggplant Dip with Crispy Bread Recipe

This delectable Middle Eastern dish is flavored with tahini (sesame seed paste), which gives it a subtle hint of spice.

 

Ingredients

  • small eggplant - 2

  • olive oil - 2 tbsp

  • garlic - 1 clove, crushed

  • fresh mint leaves - 2 tbsp

  • tahini (sesame seed paste) - 4 tbsp

  • ground cumin - 1 tbsp

  • ground almonds - 30g

  • lemon juice - ½ lemon

  • ground black pepper and salt

Lebanese flatbread

  • pitta breads - 4

  • olive oil - 150ml

  • poppy seeds - 3 tbsp

  • toasted sesame seeds - 3 tbsp

  • fresh thyme leaves - 3 tbsp, chopped

Method

  • First, start by making the Lebanese flatbread. Split the breads through the middle and carefully open them out.

  • Mix the sesame seeds, poppy seeds and chopped thyme in a mortar. Crush them lightly to release flavor.

  • Stir in the olive oil, spread the mixture over the cut sides of the bread.

  • Grill the bread until golden brown and crisp. Break into pieces when it was completely cool.

  • Then, grill the aubergines, turning them frequently until the skin is blackened and blistered.

  • Remove the skin, chop the flesh and leave to drain in a colander.

  • After 40 minutes, squeeze out as much liquid from the aubergines as possible.

  • Place the flesh in a blender, add in tahini, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and almonds. Season with pepper and salt, then process to smooth paste. Chop half of the mint and stir in.

  • Spoon the mixture into a bowl, scatter the remaining mint leaves on top and drizzle with olive oil.

  • Serve with the Lebanese flatbread. Serves 5.

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