Babaganoush

Can't have eggplant and not make baba ganoush. Call it hummus's yummy cousin. Or consider this a low calorie snack. Completely vegetarian/vegan. Love this with some pita chips or cracker of your choice or even some bread!

Here's what you need:
Eggplant, olive oil, tahini (sesame paste) you can add some toasted sesame powder or skip this if you don't have any), garlic, salt, pepper and lemon juice.

Here's what you do:
First roast the eggplant. Put the whole eggplant with some oil in the oven @ 400 F for about 30 mins (or 375 for 45 if you got the time) until its very soft and skin is browned [turn it to the other side after first 15 mins]. You can also roast garlic (skin on) for about 25 mins at the same time. If you are using roasted garlic use atleast 6/7 cloves. Roasted garlic gives it a subtle garlic flavour and some sweetness.

Note: you can even cut the top off and roast an entire garlic bulb. Use remaining as spread on crackers/ bread.

After eggplant is done, peel it and mush it lightly. Then in a blender or food processor add eggplant+tahini+ olive oil (lil bit) +garlic +salt +pepper+lemon juice and process until smooth. Watch out for raw garlic. Start with half or one small clove and add more as necessary.

Pita chips: cut pita into triangles, toast in a 400 degree oven for about 8-10 mins.