Garlicky Eggplant Salad Food

ROASTED EGGPLANT GARLIC SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Rub the eggplant and onion with the olive oil. Place on a baking sheet. Bake until the eggplant and onion have both softened, turning once, about 25 to 30 minutes. Add the garlic to the baking sheet with the eggplant and onions at the halfway point, after about 15 minutes. Cool until warm enough to handle.
• Peel the eggplant and the garlic and place in the bowl of a food processor. Cut the onion into quarters or large chunks, and add to food processor. Add vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined. Pulse longer if making a dip. Add cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

GARLICKY EGGPLANT SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F. Cut slits in eggplants with tip of knife and insert garlic sliver into each slit. Place eggplants in baking pan and bake until very tender, about 1 hour. Cut each eggplant in half and cool slightly.
• Scrape eggplant pulp from skin into colander and let drain. Transfer eggplant to processor. Add oil, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons oregano and cumin. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Cool completely. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Line platter with lettuce. Halve tomato slices and arrange around edge of platter. Cut pita into wedges and arrange around platter. Mound eggplant mixture in center. Sprinkle with oregano.

EGGPLANT SALAD WITH DILL AND GARLIC

Steps:

• In several large colanders set over bowls, toss eggplant cubes with salt. Let stand 1 hour to drain.
• Meanwhile, using tongs or long-handled fork, hold peppers over open flame, turning until blackened on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. (Alternatively, on rack of broiler pan under preheated broiler about 2 inches from heat, broil peppers, turning every 5 minutes, until skins are blistered and charred, 15 to 25 minutes.) Transfer to large bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let stand 15 minutes. Peel, seed, and dice.
• Rinse eggplant under cold water and blot dry with paper towels. In large heavy skillet over moderately high heat, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil until hot but not smoking. Working in 3 batches and using 3 tablespoons oil for each batch, sauté eggplant and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
• Transfer eggplant and garlic to large bowl. Add peppers, dill, vinegar, and sugar and toss to combine. Chill overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature, accompanied by matzoh.