Smokyeggplantandmelonwraps Recipes

SMOKED SPICED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Peel and dice the onion; set aside in a mixing bowl. Using tongs, roast the eggplant directly on the burner of a gas stove over medium heat, turning often, until skin is completely blackened and the flesh is soft, about 10 minutes. Alternatively, prick a few holes in the eggplant (to vent steam) and roast it on a rimmed baking sheet in a 500 F oven for about 20 minutes.
• When eggplant is charred all over, set it aside until it is cool enough to handle. Then pull off skin with your fingers or a knife (discard the skin); finely chop the eggplant with a knife or pass it through a ricer. Set aside. Finely chop green chilies, including their seeds, and set aside.
• Add oil to a skillet or kadai over medium-high heat, followed by the onion. Cook until edges are brown, but there is still a bit of texture, about 15 minutes. Add ginger and stir; if the onion mixture is sticking to the pan, add a little water to deglaze it. Add garlic and stir; then add coriander, cumin, and cayenne, deglazing as needed with more water to prevent the spices from burning.
• Add eggplant to the pan and continue cooking, stirring well to combine thoroughly. Add salt to taste, ensuring that all the flavors are balanced. Add tomatoes and stir to combine; then add the desired amount of green chili, follow by cilantro. Season again with salt. Stir in garam masala, a squeeze of lemon juice, stir and serve.

SMOKY EGGPLANT AND MELON WRAPS

Steps:

• 1. Quarter the eggplant length-wise, and slice into 24 long, very thin strips. Using a mondoline or sharp vegetable peeler.
• 2. Whisk together oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, paprika, cumin and salt in a 9" square baking dish. Add the eggplant strips and let marinate for 10 minutes.
• 3. Heat the gas grill to high. Grill eggplant strips for 2 minutes on either side or until the strips are tender and have grill marks.
• 4. Wrap 1 strip grilled eggplant around each melon chunk, and secure with a toothpick.
• 5. Enjoy!