Raymond Blanc Harissa Aubergine Recipes

ROAST AUBERGINES WITH YOGURT & HARISSA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/190C fan/gas 6. Pierce the aubergines a few times with the tip of a knife, then brush with olive oil and put them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 40-45 mins, or until the aubergines are completely tender.
• Melt the butter in a pan, then stir through the harissa (see our recipe). Cut the aubergines in half, opening them up a bit like a baked potato. Put them on a warm platter and season the inside of each one, then mix the yogurt with the garlic. Spoon some of this into each aubergine, then drizzle over the spiced butter. Scatter over the coriander and sesame seeds to serve.

AUBERGINE, HALLOUMI & HARISSA SKILLET BAKE

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a roughly 22cm ovenproof skillet or frying pan, then add the aubergine slices in a single layer (you'll need to do this in batches). Cook for 2-3 mins on each side until just golden and softened, adding another 1 tbsp oil between each batch. Transfer to a plate.
• If the pan is dry, add another 1 tbsp oil. Fry the garlic until sizzling but not coloured. Stir in the tomatoes, harissa, sugar and a pinch of salt. Bubble for a minute, squashing the tomatoes. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, halve each piece of halloumi (don't worry if they fall apart). Arrange the aubergine and halloumi slices in overlapping concentric circles on top of the tomato mixture, ensuring there are one or two pieces of halloumi between each aubergine slice. Drizzle with a little more oil and sprinkle with the mint. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 mins at 180C/160C fan/gas 4, then remove the foil and bake for a further 5-10 mins until the halloumi has started to brown. Serve with warm flatbreads, rice or couscous.