Garlicky Eggplant and Tomato Spread (Mirza Ghasemi) from 'The New Persian Kitchen'

Updated June 13, 2019

Eggplants and tomatoes are far from strangers. Whether baked gently in a ratatouille or simmered in a rich pasta sauce a la Norma, these friends blend seamlessly in many cuisines. This super garlicky eggplant and tomato dip in Louisa Shafia's cookbook The New Persian Kitchen is no exception.

Adding a new layer of complexity, however, is the inclusion of eggs, which thicken and bulk up what would otherwise be a glorified tomato sauce. The eggs transform the vegetables into a spread equally at home on a crudite platter, in a pita sandwich, or dolloped atop a warm bowl of rice.

Why I picked this recipe: Eggs? In an eggplant dip? I had to try it!

What worked: Evocative of both baba ganoush and ratatouille, the flavors in this dish were both familiar and foreign; and the end result indeed made for an equally good appetizer or light meal.

What didn't: My eggs curdled a bit (despite tempering them). Next time, I'll add them to the mixture with the burner off and let the residual heat cook them through.

Suggested tweaks: Shafia suggests using canned tomatoes instead of fresh should you not want to peel them yourself; the canned variety is also useful before tomatoes come into season. The dip does improve after an overnight rest. Reheat very gently over low heat, or let it come to room temperature on the counter before serving.

Reprinted with permission from The New Persian Kitchen by Louisa Shafia. Copyright 2013. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Available wherever books are sold.

Recipe Details

Garlicky Eggplant and Tomato Spread (Mirza Ghasemi) from 'The New Persian Kitchen'

Active 20 mins

Total 0 mins

Serves 4 to 6 servings

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

1 large eggplant (1 pound), sliced in half lengthwise
3 medium to large tomatoes (1 1/2 pounds)
3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a baking sheet with grapeseed oil.
Lay eggplant face down on baking sheet, score the skin with a fork, and bake for about 1 hour, until very tender. When cool, scoop out the flesh and coarsely chop.
Bring a small pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water. Cut a shallow X at the base of each tomato and boil for 1 minute, then plunge in ice water. Pull off the skin and dice small.
Heat grapeseed oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, tomato paste, and turmeric. Cook for 10 minutes, until tomatoes are softened and the flavors of garlic and turmeric have mellowed.
Take about 1/4 cup of the vegetables and whisk them with eggs in a bowl. Add mixture to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, until eggs are fully cooked. Turn off heat and add lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve warm topped with extra-virgin olive oil.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
162	Calories
11g	Fat
14g	Carbs
4g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories	162
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g	14%
Saturated Fat 2g	8%
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 325mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate 14g	5%
Dietary Fiber 4g	13%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 22mg	108%
Calcium 34mg	3%
Iron 1mg	6%
Potassium 465mg	10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.