Spicy Eggplant Dip Recipes

MELITZANOSALATA RECIPE

Steps:

• Keep the eggplant whole and pierce with a fork in a few places.
• Smoke the eggplant. Place the eggplant over a gas flame, grill or under a broiler, and cook, turning around using a pair of tongs, until the skin is fully charred, and the eggplant is quite tender.
• Cool and drain eggplant. Place the eggplant in a bowl and set aside until cool enough to handle (a bowl is helpful because the eggplant will release some juices). Peel the charred skins off and discard. Cut the eggplant into chunks and place in a colander to get rid of any remaining excess juices (about 10 more minutes).
• Transfer the eggplant to a mixing bowl. Add the garlic, onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil. Add salt and pepper and spices (if using). Mix to combine and use your fork to break up the eggplant into smaller chunks.
• At this point, if you have the time, it's a good idea to cover and chill the eggplant dip in the fridge for a few brief minutes.
• Transfer the eggplant dip to a serving plate and spread. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil. Arrange Garnish with lemon zest, parsley, red onions, olives, a sprinkle of feta. Serve with crusty bread or pita bread.

SPICY AUBERGINE (EGGPLANT) AND RED PEPPER TAPENADE - DIP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C or 400°F.
• Take a sturdy oven proof tin or dish and add the aubergines, red peppers, garlic cloves, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, chili powder and the olive oil.
• Mix thoroughly, so everything has a light coating of oil.
• Roast in the oven on the top shelf for 30 to 45 minutes, or until charred and tinged brown on the edges and soft to the touch.
• Take out and leave to cool slightly.
• Add the fresh coriander (cilantro), harissa paste if using and sun-dried tomatoes. Season well with salt & pepper.
• Tip all the mixture into a large bowl and blend it all together with a hand mixer/blender.
• Do NOT over mix - it should be smooth but not pureed!
• Serve in an attractive bowl and dribble the remaining olive oil over the top, garnish with some fresh coriander (cilantro) or chopped flat leaf parsley. You can also add an olive or two.
• Store in a container in the fridge with olive oil on the top for up to 2 weeks.

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.