Roasted Eggplant Salad with Chickpeas and Yogurt is a nutritious dish that combines smoky roasted vegetables with creamy yogurt and a touch of tahini. This Middle Eastern-inspired salad is not only packed with flavor but also rich in texture, thanks to the addition of crunchy walnuts and tender chickpeas. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy eggplant or simply want to try a fresh and vibrant dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggplants
- 1 red bell pepper
- A handful of parsley
- A handful of walnuts
- 6 tablespoons strained yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 drops lemon juice
For the topping:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (enough for the chickpeas)
- Slightly less than 1 cup boiled chickpeas
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Roasting the Eggplant and Pepper:
- Poke holes in the eggplants and the pepper with a knife.
- Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 190°C (374°F) for about 20 minutes.
- Check for softness by poking with a fork, and if softened, remove from the oven.
- Peeling the Eggplant and Pepper:
- Transfer the roasted eggplants to a plastic bag, seal it, and let it sit for 5 minutes (this makes peeling easier).
- Peel the eggplants and the pepper, then finely chop them.
- Chopping and Mixing:
- Finely chop a handful of parsley and a handful of walnuts.
- Combine the chopped eggplants, pepper, walnuts, and parsley.
- Chop all together again to mix well.
- Preparing the Yogurt Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, mix strained yogurt, tahini, garlic (minced), and salt.
- Add the prepared eggplant mixture to the yogurt mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Preparing the Chickpeas:
- In a pan, mix all the ingredients needed for the chickpeas and sauté for 5-7 minutes.
- Serving:
- Pour the sautéed chickpeas over the eggplant mixture.
- Garnish as desired and serve.
Enjoy your meal!