Grilled Middle Eastern Baba Ghanoush

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, about 1 pound total
• 4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped roasted pistachios, for garnish
• Pita bread, cut into wedges, for dipping

Directions

Pierce the eggplants in a few places with a fork, so steam has somewhere to go when you cook them.

For a smoky flavor that will add depth to the finished dish, grill the eggplants on a very hot, oiled grill pan (or barbecue) until the skins are wrinkled and black, and the eggplants shriveled and soft; turning often. (If you prefer, roast the eggplants in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 30 minutes.)

When the eggplants are cool enough to handle, split them open and scoop out the flesh, discarding the skin and as many seeds as possible.

In a food processor, combine the garlic, tahini, lemon juice and parsley; puree until smooth. Add the eggplant flesh; season with cumin, salt, and pepper; pulse several times to make a thick, coarse puree. Pour in the oil and pulse again to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning, as needed. Pour into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped pistachios. Serve with pita wedges for dipping.