Broiled Eggplant Salad With Sumac Chicken And Pine Nuts Recipes

BROILED EGGPLANT SALAD WITH SUMAC CHICKEN AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Adjust a rack to 6-8 inches below the broiler element and preheat the broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Pierce the eggplants a few times with a fork all over to avoid them exploding in the oven. Place the eggplants on the lined baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides and tender on the inside, 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size. The eggplants are ready when they are collapsing and the outside feels crisp and easily breaks when touched. Remove from the oven and close the foil around the eggplants to hold in the steam. This will make the eggplants easy to peel. Allow the eggplants to rest for 15-30 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and sugar (if using). Set aside. Open the foil package of eggplants and with your fingers, carefully peel away the skin, trying to keep the eggplants intact as much as possible. Transfer to a sieve set in a large bowl and let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the liquid to drain.
• In a non-stick or heavy-bottomed frying pan, heat the olive oil until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken, salt, cumin, and pepper and fry, stirring regularly, until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown around the edges, 6-8 minutes. Add the sumac, give one final toss, and remove from the heat.
• Arrange the eggplants on serving platter and drizzle with half of the dressing. Arrange the chicken mixture over the eggplants. Top with the tomatoes, chili (if using), parsley, cilantro, and shallot. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top, sprinkle with the pine nuts, and serve.

CHICKEN & PINE NUT SALAD

Steps:

• In a deep fryer or a heavy pan, place the vegetable oil and heat it on high until it reaches 375 degrees.
• One at a time, place a tortilla in the oil and push it to the bottom of the pan with a ladle so that it forms a bowl shape.
• Hold the tortilla there until it is lightly browned and crisp.
• Remove the tortilla and drain it on paper towels.
• Repeat the process for the remaining three tortillas.
• In a large skillet place the olive oil and heat it on medium high until it is hot.
• Add the chicken, snow peas, carrots, yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and scallions.
• Saute the vegetables for 3 to 5 minutes, or until thaty are slightly tender and hot through the center.
• Add the cilantro and pinon nuts, and toss the mixture.
• Add the sherry and lime juice.
• Toss everthing together well.
• Remove skillet from the heat.
• On four individual serving plates arrange the salad greens.
• Place a tortilla shell in the center.
• Fill the shells with the chicken and vegetable stir-fry.
• Garnish the salad with the lime slices and sprigs of cilantro.