Fry

Baharat-Spiced Eggplant

August 31, 2014
5
1 Ratings
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

The crown jewel of my eggplant efforts this summer was this: a Baharat-spiced eggplant, inspired by the eggplant master himself, Yotam Ottolenghi. Given the ingredients that I had on hand, this eggplant dish is a hybrid from a few of the eggplant recipes in his stunning book “Jerusalem”.
This recipe is exotic yet attainable, healthy and packed with flavor. If you’re not an eggplant lover, this will convert. —Feed Me Dearly

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Ingredients
  • 1 large eggplant
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • The minced peel of one lemon
  • The juice of one lemon
  • 3-4 tablespoons Baharat
  • 1 jalapeno pepper
  • 1 onion
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • 4-5 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • A few sprigs of cilantro
  • A handful of cherry tomatoes
Directions
  1. Split a large eggplant in half lengthwise. Score the inside of the eggplant in a cross-hatch, brush it with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and then bake it in a 425° oven for 45 minutes until soft.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large sauté pan and fry one whole thinly-sliced onion for 10 minutes until golden and charred in some places.
  3. Add a half minced jalapeno and a few tablespoons of Baharat to the onions and fry for another two minutes.
  4. Separately, in a small bowl, mix together one minced garlic clove, the minced peel of one lemon, the juice of one lemon, and the remaining half jalapeno, minced.
  5. One the eggplant is done pull it out of the oven and add the lemon jalapeno dressing over the top. Pile on the onions and, finally, dress with a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt that is been thinned with a tablespoon or two of milk.
  6. Top the eggplant with some halved cherry tomatoes and a few sprigs of cilantro.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

5 Reviews

Darian March 3, 2024
I am wondering if the amount of baharat was a typo? I went with 3 - 4 teaspoons and it was plenty. Otherwise, made this exactly as written. SO good. Served some naan on the side just to round it out, but it honestly wasn't necessary. Definitely will make again. Very satisfying meatless meal.
AntoniaJames February 24, 2020
This looks terrific. I'm looking forward to making it this weekend. ;o)
Renee B. August 4, 2015
i've been searching eggplant recipes. This sounds delicious but I don't have Baharat. Here's a link to make your own. The reviews are all good so I'm trying it along with your recipe. Thanks! http://www.food.com/recipe/baharat-spice-blend-224763
Shalini November 21, 2014
What a gorgeous photograph! Smart that you amalgamated the tastes from a few different recipes to make one you love.
Feed M. November 21, 2014
Thanks so much, it was delicious!