Baby Food Eggplant Dip

EGGPLANT DIP

Steps:

• Grill 2 eggplants over medium-high heat, turning, until soft, 30 minutes. Cool, then scoop out and puree the flesh in a food processor with 1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic, 5 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, and salt. Top with olive oil and parsley and serve with flatbread and vegetables.
• Per serving (does not include flatbread and vegetables for serving): Calories 247; Total Fat 21 grams; Saturated Fat 3 grams; Protein 3 grams; Total Carbohydrate 16 grams; Sugar: 7 grams; Fiber 9 grams; Cholesterol 0 milligrams; Sodium 152 milligrams

MINI EGGPLANT PARMESAN

Steps:

• For the sauce: Heat the oil in a heavy medium saucepan over medium. Add the garlic, shallots and salt. Stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, basil, oregano and crushed red pepper. Simmer the sauce until the flavors blend and the sauce thickens, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Mix in the vinegar.
• For the eggplant: Mix the flour, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl. Whisk the egg whites in a medium bowl until frothy. Dip each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, then into the beaten egg whites, and then into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
• Heat the oil in a heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat until hot (the surface will appear to be shimmering), 2 to 3 minutes. Add half of the eggplant slices. Cook until deep golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer the eggplant to a paper-towel-lined plate. Fry the remaining eggplant. (Can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
• Preheat a broiler. Toss the mozzarella and Parmesan in a small bowl until well blended. Spread 1 generous teaspoon of the sauce over each eggplant slice. Top with a rounded teaspoon of the cheese mixture; spread out to cover and press lightly to adhere. Transfer the eggplant slices to a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until the cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the mini eggplant parmesans to a platter and garnish each with small basil leaf. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

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.

BABA GHANOUSH (EGGPLANT DIP)

Steps:

• Pierce the eggplants in several places with a toothpick. Wrap the whole eggplant in aluminum foil, and set it over a gas grill to cook on all sides until it collapses and begins to release a great deal of steam.
• Place the eggplant in a basin of cold water; peel while it's still hot and allow it to drain in a colander until cool.
• Squeeze pulp to remove any bitter juices. Mash the eggplant to a puree.
• In a food processor, mix the tahini with the garlic, onion, tomato, and lemon juice until the mixture thickens and reduces in size. Thin with water. With the machine running, add the eggplant and the salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Spread out in a shallow dish, and garnish with pepper, parsley, and tomatoes.

EGGPLANT DIP (BABA GHANOUSH)

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Rub the outside of the eggplants with olive oil and place them in a roasting plan. Roast the eggplant until the skin has charred and the interior is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool.
• 2. Peel and seed the cooled eggplant, roughly chop the flesh, and then transfer it to the bowl of a food processor.
• 3. Into the processor bowl add the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, some salt and pepper to taste, and a few teaspoons of cold water. Process the mixture to a coarse paste, adding a bit more water as needed to allow the mixture to blend.
• 4. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

BABY FOOD - EGGPLANT DIP

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 400 deg F, 200 deg Celsius.
• Bake the eggplant in a baking dish for one hour, then cool.
• Halve the eggplant and scoop out the flesh, then chop well.
• Meanwhile, saute the onion in the oil over a medium heat, stirring often, until very soft (10 mins).
• Add the garlic ,if using,and saute for a further minute, then add the tomato puree and cook for one more minute.
• Stir in the eggplant and cook until the dip has thickened.
• Serve warm.