Lemon Cilantro Eggplant Dip Recipes

TWICE-COOKED EGGPLANT WITH CILANTRO-SESAME PESTO

Steps:

• 1. To roast the eggplant: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• 2. Toss the eggplant with the oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on an 18-by-13-inch half-sheet pan. Roast, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely. (The eggplant can be covered and stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.)
• 3. To make the pesto: With the machine running, drop the garlic through the feed tube of a processor to mince it. Add the cilantro, lemon juice, sesame oil, and sesame seeds and process until pureed. With the machine running, pour the olive oil through the feed tube to make a smooth sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (The pesto can be covered tightly and stored at room temperature for up
• to 4 hours.)
• 4. To make the mayonnaise: Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside for up to 1 hour.
• 5. To finish the eggplant: Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the oil and swirl the wok to coat the sides. Add the eggplant and spread it out in a single layer. Let cook until the underside is seared, about 1 minute. Stir-fry until hot, about 1 minute more. Remove the wok from the heat. Add 3 tablespoons of the pesto, the pine nuts, the cilantro leaves, and the sesame seeds. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with the mayonnaise, and serve hot, with the remaining pesto passed on the side. (Leftover pesto is delicious stirred into plain steamed rice or used to flavor vinaigrette.)

MEDITERRANEAN EGGPLANT DIP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Cut eggplant crosswise into 1-in. slices; place on a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Top with onion and garlic cloves. Drizzle with oil., Roast until eggplant is very soft, 40-45 minutes, turning and stirring vegetables once. Cool slightly., Place eggplant mixture in a food processor; process until blended. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in sour cream, lemon juice, salt, pepper and, if desired, liquid smoke., Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with flatbread and vegetables as desired.

EGGPLANT SALAD DIP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Slice eggplant in half lengthwise and score the flesh. Rub the flesh with salt and pepper and brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place flesh down on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until it remains depressed when you poke the skin, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes.
• Use a fork to scrape the flesh away from the skins and into a large bowl. Add parsley, cilantro, mint, onion, garlic, and lemon zest.
• Whisk remaining 3 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, honey, and vinegar together until just combined. Add to eggplant mixture and mix well. Season with salt and pepper and let rest 30 minutes before serving.

CILANTRO DIP

Steps:

• Place Cilantro, garlic, water, mayonnaise, vinegar and lemon juice in food processor.
• Process until finely minced but not pureed.
• Add remaining ingredients.
• Process for several pulses, or until just combined but not emulsified.
• Transfer to bowl.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

ROASTED EGGPLANT CILANTRO DIP

Steps:

• Soak the eggplant in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes. Drain. Place in a single layer on a baking pan.
• Add garlic cloves and 1 tbs of olive oil to baking pan. Stir to coat eggplant with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Bake in preheated oven at 350F/180C, stirring occasionally, until brown and soft, 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.
• Mix 2-3 tablespoons olive oil with eggplant and garlic in food processor (or with a fork) until smooth.
• Add half of the lemon juice and cilantro. Let the mixture stand about 5 minutes, taste and adjust the flavor with more lemon or cilantro if needed.