Charred Broccoli Salad With Eggplant Purée Recipes

CHARRED BROCCOLI SALAD WITH EGGPLANT PURéE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush eggplant on all sides with oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast, cut side down, on a rimmed baking sheet until lightly browned and softened, 30-40 minutes. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, heat a dry medium cast-iron skillet over high. Cook broccoli florets, tossing occasionally, until surfaces are blackened, 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a large plate; let cool.
• Toss chiles, sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a small bowl. Let sit until juices release, 12-15 minutes. Add white wine vinegar.
• Meanwhile, toast coriander seeds in a dry small skillet, tossing often, until fragrant, about 4 minutes; let cool. Finely grind in a spice mill or with a mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl and whisk in rice vinegar, 1/4 cup oil, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp. water; season vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
• Scoop eggplant flesh into a food processor; discard skin. Add malt vinegar, agave, tahini, and remaining 2 Tbsp. lemon juice. With motor running, stream in remaining 1/4 cup oil; process until smooth. Season eggplant purée with salt and pepper.
• Toss charred broccoli, broccoli stems, and vinaigrette in a large bowl. Serve over eggplant purée topped with cashews, cilantro, and drained chiles.

CHARRED BROCCOLI SALAD

Steps:

• Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• Trim the bottom inch off of the broccoli stems and discard or save in your freezer for a soup. Quarter the broccoli lengthwise into large pieces and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Place the broccoli on the direct heat side of the grill and char on all sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Move to the indirect side of the grill, close the grill lid and roast until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, scallions, vinegar, dill, brown sugar and mustard. Season to taste with the fresh nutmeg, salt and pepper. Remove the broccoli to a serving platter and drizzle with as much of the buttermilk dressing as you'd like. Top with the dried cherries and peanuts. Serve!

SPICY LAMB WITH CHARRED EGGPLANT PURéE AND PITA

Steps:

• Char eggplants directly over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides and very tender in center, about 20 minutes. Cool; cut open. Spoon flesh into sieve set over bowl; discard skins. Drain at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
• Transfer eggplant to bowl and mash. Chop garlic with salt and mash to paste; mix into eggplant. Mix in yogurt. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.
• Heat large nonstick skillet over high heat. Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper; add to skillet in single layer. Sprinkle with dried crushed pepper. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook lamb until tender and brown, turning occasionally and adding water by tablespoonfuls if very dry, about 45 minutes. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover lamb in skillet and chill. Rewarm over low heat.
• Warm eggplant over low heat; spoon into dish. Spoon lamb and any juices over Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with pita.