Grilled Aubergine and Walnut Spread
Take your taste buds on a ride with this easy-to-make, unique dip. Drawing inspiration from classic recipes like baba ganoush and muhammara, this roasted eggplant and walnut creation boasts rich flavors that are sure to satisfy. Let's dive into the details!
Yield: 1 1/2 cups
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time: About 1 hour, 10 minutes total, with 10 minutes of active prep time
What You'll Need:
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 cup raw walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Here's the Lowdown:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center.
- Brush each eggplant half with olive oil on the cut side and place them, cut side down, on a baking sheet. Place the garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and seal the foil to create a packet. Put it on the baking sheet alongside the eggplant.
- Roast the eggplant and garlic until the eggplant skin is indented when pressed and the cut side is browned (approximately 35 minutes). Allow everything to cool for around 20 minutes.
- In your food processor, pulse the walnuts until they resemble peppercorns (around 25 pulses). Add the parsley and roasted garlic, pulsing until the parsley is nicely minced (about 10 pulses).
- Scoop out the flesh of the cooled eggplant and add it to the food processor, along with lemon juice and honey. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then blend until smooth (about 30 seconds).
- Serve this dip with toasts or crackers, and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
This roasted eggplant and walnut dip brings together the best elements of smoky eggplant, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the brightness of fresh herbs.
This roasted eggplant and walnut dip, with its unique blend of smoky eggplant and crunchy walnuts, can be paired delightfully with a sweet honey-kissed nuts cocktail for a mouthwatering, Middle Eastern-inspired treat. Additionally, for a decadent dessert option, consider baking a batch of sweet, honey-glazed walnuts to complement the dip. With such irresistible flavors, this tantalizing recipe yields 1 1/2 cups of dip that will surely be a hit at any gathering.
