Lemony Grilled Baba Ganoush

Servings: 6    Level: Easy

Ingredients:

 1 large eggplant

1⁄4 cup tahini

3 garlic cloves, minced

Juice and zest from 2 lemons

1 pinch ground cumin

Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon QO Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1⁄4 cup brine-cured black olives, roughly chopped

Pita bread, for serving

Preparation:

• Slice the eggplant into thick strips and season on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Grill the eggplant slices for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are very tender and grill marks have been achieved.
• Remove the eggplant and scrape out the flesh, discarding the skin and as many seeds as possible. Add the flesh to a food processor along with the garlic, lemon juice and zest, tahini, cumin, salt and pepper to taste and olive oil.
• Pulse until the mixture is thick and creamy. Add more olive oil to reach desired consistency.
• Garnish with parsley, olives and a healthy drizzle of QO evoo olive oil. Serve with pita bread.

Buon Appetito !