Warm Eggplant Salad With Walnuts Recipes

WARM EGGPLANT SALAD

Steps:

• Trim eggplants and cut in half if very long. Cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices. Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning and salt on both sides of each slice.
• Preheat a griddle or heavy pan over high heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over eggplant slices and cook until slightly charred, about 30 seconds per side.
• Core bell pepper and cut into thin slices. Season with salt. Use the same griddle or pan to cook until slightly charred, about 30 seconds per side.
• Prepare dressing by mixing remaining olive oil, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl. Stir in remaining Italian seasoning.
• Layer 1/2 of the eggplant slices on a plate. Dot with cream cheese. Cover with bell peppers and remaining cream cheese. Top with remaining eggplant. Drizzle dressing over the salad. Garnish with cilantro. Serve warm, mixing right before serving.

ROAST EGGPLANT WITH WALNUTS

Steps:

• Pierce the eggplants with a sharp fork in two or three places (to keep them from exploding) and place them as high as you can on a V-rack roaster. Set over a medium-low gas flame or over hot coals and grill, turning about three times, 15 minutes to a side, or until completely soft and the skin is black and blistery, about 45 minutes total. The longer and slower the grilling, the creamier the eggplant will be. When the eggplants collapse, remove from the grill and let cool slightly. Remove the black parched skin, then squeeze gently to remove any juices. Discard the juices, and crush the pulp to a puree with a fork.
• Meanwhile, grill the pepper. Remove the pepper when soft, cover with a sheet of plastic and allow to cool. Core, seed and slip off the skin. Chop fine and mix with the eggplant.
• Mash the garlic to a paste with half the walnuts and the salt in a mortar and pestle or food processor. Add the cheese, oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper, and pulse to combine.
• In a serving bowl, combine the garlic-walnut mixture with the eggplant-pepper pulp and mix well. Correct the seasoning. Mix the parsley and remaining walnuts and sprinkle on top. Serve with pita toasted until crisp. May be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for several days.

LENTIL, ROASTED EGGPLANT & WALNUT SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing: Place the vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, the mustard, syrup and olive oil in a jar. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the jar and shake vigorously until blended. Set aside. This can be done ahead.
• For the salad: Preheat the oven to 425°. Toss the eggplant and onions with 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Spread out in one layer on an oiled baking sheet. Place in the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan and flipping the eggplant after 15 minutes, until golden brown.
• Rinse the lentils in warm water and lightly separate any clumps. Place in a bowl with the eggplant and onions. Toss with the dressing, and stir in the walnuts and parsley. Season to taste, adding more lemon juice, if needed.