Charred Aubergine Salad With Sugar Spice Onions Food

CHARRED AUBERGINE, PEPPER & BULGUR SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare bulgur following pack instructions. Tip into a large bowl and stir through the tomato paste. Season.
• Heat a BBQ or griddle pan to high. Drizzle the aubergines and red pepper with the oil and cook for 5 mins on each side until lightly charred.
• Stir the aubergines and red pepper into the bulgur mixture, then season and stir through the basil.

AUBERGINE SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and line a baking tray with foil. Prick the aubergine with a sharp knife to prevent it from exploding, then put it on the prepared tray and roast for 45-55 mins until the skin is wrinkled and it is very soft.
• While the aubergine is roasting, make the dressing. Mix together the lemon juice, chilli, if using, the pomegranate molasses, garlic and olive oil in a bowl. Season and set aside.
• When the aubergine is cool enough to handle, peel and place it in a colander. Press down on it very gently over a bowl to allow the juices to run out, then transfer the aubergine to a serving plate and cut into large pieces. Dress quickly with half of the dressing, then add the spring onions, cherry tomatoes and peppers to the plate. Pour over the remaining dressing and mix with your hands or a spoon to coat. Serve scattered with mint, pomegranate seeds and more olive oil drizzled over.

CHARRED AUBERGINES WITH WHITE BEANS & SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a frying pan set over a low heat and fry the onion with a pinch of salt for 10 mins. Add the garlic and chilli flakes, and fry for 2 mins more. Tip in the beans, thyme and stock, bring to a simmer and cook for 15 mins, or until the beans have broken down a little. Stir in the crème fraîche and lemon zest. Season to taste.
• To make the salsa verde, put the parsley, hazelnuts, garlic, capers, vinegar and oil in a pestle and mortar and crush everything together - this will take about 5 mins. Alternatively, blitz in a food processor until combined but not smooth. Transfer to a bowl and season to taste.
• Light the barbecue and wait for the flames to die down. Cut the aubergines in half lengthways and score the cut side in a diamond pattern using the tip of a knife. Rub with some oil, then put directly on the grill and cook for 7-10 mins on each side, or until charred and soft. Alternatively, cook under a grill (see tip, below). Top the cooked aubergines with the bean ragu and salsa verde, then scatter over the toasted almonds and serve with the lemon wedges on the side.