- 1
Ingredients
- 5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more for the pan
- 1-1/2 lb. small eggplant (2 to 3 small), trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
- 3/4 tsp. plus a generous pinch kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
- 1 small clove garlic
- 1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 pitas (preferably pocketless), each cut into eight wedges
- 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more to taste
- 1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint, plus 1 Tbs. small leaves for garnish
- 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
- 2 Tbs. pine nuts, toasted
Preparation
Step 1
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Position a rack 4 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and grease lightly with oil. Rub the eggplant all over with 2 Tbs. of the oil and sprinkle the flesh side with 1/2 tsp. of the salt and the 1/4 tsp. pepper. Arrange the eggplant, flesh side down, on the baking sheet and broil until the skin is charred and the eggplant flesh is very tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, if using anchovies, mash them into a paste with the side of a chef’s knife. Roughly chop the garlic, sprinkle it with a generous pinch of kosher salt, and mash it into a paste with the side of a chef’s knife. Transfer the anchovy and garlic pastes to a food processor and add the beans, 2 Tbs. of the oil, and 1 Tbs. water. Purée until smooth.
Scrape the eggplant flesh from the skin and add the flesh to the puréed beans in the food processor, along with the lemon juice, chopped mint, and oregano. Pulse briefly to form a chunky dip. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste. Serve sprinkled with the pine nuts and mint leaves, with the toasted pita crisps on the side for dipping.
This isn't bad but it just "mesh" for me---I don't get it. The beans & eggplant just seem to serve as the platform for the lemon, mint & garlic. I guess I can see it as an addition to an outdoor summer wine & appetizer party but it certainly wouldn't stand out.
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