Christmas Eggplant Aubergine Delicious Winter Vegetables Recipes

GRIDDLED VEGETABLES WITH MELTING AUBERGINES

Steps:

• Grill the aubergine, turning frequently, until soft all over and the skin is blistered, about 8-10 mins. Alternatively, if you have a gas hob, cook it directly over the flame. When it is cool enough to handle, remove the skin, finely chop the flesh and mix with the lemon juice, 1 chopped clove garlic, 1 tbsp parsley, 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil and the seeds. Mix the remaining parsley with the remaining chopped garlic and the lemon zest.
• Meanwhile, mix the thyme, crushed garlic and rapeseed oil and toss with the vegetables, keeping the onions as slices rather than breaking up into rings. Heat a large griddle pan and char the vegetables until tender and marked with lines - the tomatoes will need the least time. Pile onto plates with the aubergine purée and olives, drizzle over a little extra olive oil and scatter with the parsley, lemon zest and garlic.

ROASTED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Place tomatoes, eggplant, onion and garlic on large baking sheet. Brush vegetables with oil. Roast until vegetables are tender and brown in spots, about 45 minutes.
• Remove from oven.
• Scoop eggplant from skin into heavy large saucepan; discard skin. Add remaining roasted vegetables and thyme to same saucepan.
• Add 4 cups chicken stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cook until onion is very tender, about 45 minutes.
• Cool slightly.
• Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan.
• Stir in cream. Bring to simmer, thinning with more stock, if desired.
• Season soup with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls.
• Sprinkle with goat cheese; serve.