Smoky Eggplant Dip With Baked Cumin Tortilla Chips Recipes

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat; coat generously with cooking spray. Slice a firm Japanese eggplant 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline. Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer; coat the eggplant with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 250 degrees F, 50 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. Flip the slices; continue baking until browned, about 20 more minutes. Transfer the chips to a rack to cool.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
• Toss together the Cheddar, Parmesan, chili powder, cumin and cayenne in a small bowl.
• Spoon heaping tablespoonfuls of the cheese mixture about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Spread out each pile and lightly pat down (it's ok if there are gaps). Bake until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
• Let the crisps cool for a few seconds on the baking sheet and then use a metal spatula to lift and drape them over a rolling pin to cool completely. (You can also let them cool on the baking sheet for flat crisps.)
• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, smoked salt, chipotle and lime zest.
• Spread half of the tortilla chips in a single layer on a platter. Sprinkle with half of the lime juice, followed by half of the spice mixture. Top with a second layer of tortilla chips and repeat with the remaining lime juice and spices. Serve.

Steps:

• Remove grate and prepare a charcoal grill for medium heat (coals should be covered with ash and glowing red with no black remaining). Place eggplants directly on coals and cook, turning occasionally, until skins are completely charred and flesh is collapsed, 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and let cool. (Or, you can grill on the grate of a gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, 20-25 minutes.)
• Split eggplants lengthwise and scoop flesh from skin into a medium bowl (it's okay if bits of charred skin get in there too). Mash eggplant with a fork to break up, then mix in garlic, yogurt, chopped mint, red pepper flakes, and 2 Tbsp. oil; season with salt.
• To serve, drizzle dip with more oil and top with mint leaves.
• Do Ahead
• Dip can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Steps:

• Make a fire on one side of a charcoal grill. When the fire is hot, prick the eggplants all over with a fork, and place them on the hot side of the grill for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, to char the skin all over. Move the eggplants to the cool side of the grill, put on the lid, making sure the vents are open, and roast the eggplants for 40 to 45 minutes, until they collapse when you press on them, turning once halfway through. Transfer the eggplants to a platter and cut in half lengthwise, allowing any liquid to run out.
• With a slotted spoon, scoop the insides of the eggplants into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, discarding the skin and any excess liquid. Add the yogurt, lemon juice, mint, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the Sriracha, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Pulse just five or six times to combine but not puree the ingredients. Taste for seasonings; it should be highly seasoned!
• Transfer to a shallow serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with extra mint and salt, and serve warm or at room temperature with pita triangles.

Steps:

• Heat the grill. Meanwhile, in a blender combine 3/4 cup olive oil, the oregano, thyme and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend until you have a rough purée, 2 to 5 minutes depending on how strong your blender is. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Purée should be well seasoned.
• Split pita breads in half along their seams to make 6 flat rounds. Brush both sides of each pita round with herb purée.
• When grill is hot, cook the eggplant, whole, until skins are shriveled and flesh has collapsed, about 8 to 12 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
• Grill pitas until crisp, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. Let rest for a minute or two until cool enough to handle but still very warm, then slice each round into 6 wedges.
• Peel eggplant and put flesh in a food processor with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Purée, then taste and add more lemon or salt (or both) if needed. Serve the dip spread on a plate, drizzled with more olive oil and garnished with mint, dates and pomegranate seeds if desired.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Pierce each eggplant with the tip of a knife in about 10 spots. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until very soft and cracking in a few spots, about 50 minutes. Let cool slightly.
• Cut each eggplant open lengthwise and scrape out the flesh with a large spoon; discard the skin. Place the flesh in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to coarsely chop. Add the parsley, mint, oregano, lemon juice, chiles, salt and olive oil. Puree for 20 seconds to combine. Allow to cool slightly before serving with crackers.

Steps:

• Preheat grill to medium high. Brush eggplant, peppers and onions on both sides with 1/4 cup of the oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until lightly golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove vegetables from grill and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Combine eggplant, peppers and onions in a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients inluding the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.