Roasted Eggplant Dip with Toasted Pita
Introduction:
This roasted eggplant dip with toasted pita is a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and packed with flavor that will impress your guests. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving something tasty for yourself, this dip is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 pitas, cut into triangles
Instructions:
Roasting the Eggplant:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the eggplant halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the eggplant is soft and tender. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Making the Dip:
Once the roasted eggplant has cooled, scrape out the flesh and discard the skin. Place the eggplant flesh in a food processor or blender along with the garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Toasting the Pita:
While the dip is being made, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pita triangles to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool.
Serving the Dip:
Transfer the roasted eggplant dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika if desired. Serve with the toasted pita triangles on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- If you want a smokier flavor in the dip, you can roast the garlic along with the eggplant for a few minutes before blending.
- You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the dip for added flavor and color.
- If you don't have pitas on hand, you can also serve this dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced vegetables like carrots and celery.
Conclusion:
Overall, this roasted eggplant dip with toasted pita is a simple yet flavorful recipe that you can easily make at home. It's a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!