2 eggplants, partially peeled
¾ cup olive oil
17 garlic cloves, whole
Salt
Pepper
Smoked paprika
Cumin
Tehina paste
2 lemons
Zaatar
Cayenne pepper
Hawaij (optional)
Ice waiter
Fresh parsley
Vinegar
Sugar
Pomegranate seeds
Chives
Directions
Peel and cut eggplant into chunks. Add olive oil, 10 cloves of garlic, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp hawaj or cumin. Combine well and transfer to cookie sheet. Bake on 400° for 20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool.
In food processor, squeeze 2 lemons. Add 7 cloves garlic, 1 tsp salt and blend. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Add 1 jar tehina paste, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp zaatar and pinch of cayenne pepper. Begin blending and slowly add 8-10oz ice water until the right creamy consistency is achieved. Remove ¾ of the prepared tehina for other uses. With remaining ¼ tehina in processor, add fresh parsley and blend for a few seconds.
Combine your desired amount of tahina with the cooled eggplant. Add 1 tsp vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, pomegranate seeds and chives and mix well.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chives.
Bon Appetit and happy shalom bayis!