Burnt Eggplant & Tomato Tahini From Ottolenghi Test Kitchen

Directions

1. Place a well-greased grill pan on high heat. Prick the eggplants all over with a fork, about 8 to 10 times and, once smoking, cook them, turning as necessary until well charred all over and softened through the middle, about 45 minutes. Set aside to cool completely and, once cool enough to handle, peel and discard the stems and skins (don’t worry if there’s some skin attached) and roughly pull apart the flesh into strands. Set aside.
2. Make the tomato sauce. Put the oil into a sauté pan on medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for a minute more, then add the tomatoes, sugar, 7 tablespoons/100 milliliters of water, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a generous grind of pepper. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium and cook for 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
3. Make the topping. Heat the oil in a small frying pan on medium/high heat, then add the sliced garlic and the pine nuts and cook for 60 to 90 seconds, or until lightly golden. Add the spices and a tiny pinch of salt and immediately remove from the heat. Set aside.
4. In a small bowl, whisk the tahini with 2½ tablespoons of water and a tiny pinch of salt until smooth and pourable.
5. To the tomato sauce, add the burnt eggplant, 3 tablespoons of water, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and a good grind of pepper and cook on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped dill. Drizzle all over with the tahini, then spoon on the fried garlic and pine nut mixture and top with the dill leaves. Serve warm.