Moroccan Eggplant Food

MOROCCAN STUFFED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Leaving the stem on, slice the eggplant in half lengthwise and place it, cut side down, on an oiled baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees for about 50 minutes, or until tender.
• Saute the onion, garlic and spices in 3 T olive oil until the onion is translucent. Stir often to prevent burning.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and simmer, covered, for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a separate pot, heat the 2 T of olive oil. Toss the rice and lentils in the hot oil for a couple of minutes until the color of the rice changes to golden-brown. Immediately add 2 cups of water (stand back! It will splatter), bring it to a boil and simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat.
• Add the rice, chickpeas and raisins.
• Stir in the sauteed onion-tomato mixture, the lemon juice and the parsley. Add garam masala, hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste.
• Turn the baked eggplant halves over in the baking pan. With a fork or spoon, mash the pulp a little, taking care not to break the skin. Push aside some of the pulp to make a hollow in the middle if desired. Mound half of the filling on each half.
• Bake, covered, at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
• Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve.

MOROCCAN CHICKPEA AND EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) STEW

Steps:

• Cut off the ends of the eggplant, than chop into ¾" cubes. I salted an eggplant once just for fun, but with fresh eggplant just don't find it necessary!
• Chop the onion roughly.
• Mince the garlic.
• Coat a large deep-sided frypan with olive oil. and heat over a medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin and cinnamon. Stir well to coat evenly. Cook until the onions have softened (approx. 4-5 minutes).
• Add the eggplant, tomatoes and chickpeas, along with the stock. Simmer over medium-low heat, covered, for fifteen-twenty minutes (until the eggplant is tender).
• Uncover and stir. If the stew looks very soupy, let the liquid bubble away for a few more minutes.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve over rice / pasta / cous cous / even toast would be yummy.
• The qty of spice listed make it moderately hot - good for a taste explosion for someone not used to spices. I normally double them as I like things really spicy!

MOROCCAN CHICKEN WITH EGGPLANT, TOMATOES, AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large wide pot over medium heat.
• Add onions and garlic. Cover and cook until onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Add paprika, salt, turmeric, coriander, fennel, pepper, cumin, and ginger; stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes, 1 cup water, and 3 tablespoons lemon juice; bring to boil. Arrange all chicken in single layer in pot; spoon some sauce over. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Turn chicken over, cover, and simmer until chicken is tender, about 20 minutes longer.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F. Brush large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Place eggplant and remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil in large bowl; toss to coat. Spread eggplant out on prepared baking sheet and bake until soft and brown, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. (Chicken and eggplant can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate separately until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated.)
• Stir eggplant and marjoram into chicken. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes to heat through and blend flavors. Season stew to taste with more lemon juice, if desired, and salt and pepper. Transfer chicken to large shallow bowl. Sprinkle with almonds and cilantro.

MOROCCAN EGGPLANT DIP

Steps:

• Mix tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, cumin, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a small bowl.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook and stir until golden, about 2 minutes. Add eggplant and red bell pepper; pour in tomato sauce mixture. Simmer, covered, until eggplant and red bell pepper soften, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer eggplant mixture to a food processor; pulse until it reaches the desired consistency. Sprinkle cilantro over dip.