Baked Za'atar Eggplant Fries With Lemon Tahini Dip

These fries are definitely best eaten right out of the oven. As happens with many baked eggplant dishes, when the fries have a chance to cool fully, they can get a little limp and not nearly as delicious. Sprinkle flaky salt on them the moment they come out of the oven. You can also double the recipe for Lemon Tahini Sauce and spread it on sandwiches, fold a little into omelettes, or spoon it atop warm grain bowls. Store the sauce, covered, in the refrigerator and just thin it out with additional water if it settles or thickens. From the Kitchn.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• For the fries

• 1  large eggplant
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 cup za'atar spice mix, spice blend
• 1  teaspoon kosher salt
• 1  pinch cayenne pepper
• 2  large eggs
•  flaky salt, to finish (like Maldon)

• For the dip

• 1⁄2 cup tahini
• 1  tablespoon sour cream
• 2  tablespoons lemon juice
• 1  teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1  tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  teaspoon za'atar spice mix, spice blend
• 2 -4  tablespoons water, to thin

Directions

1. To make the eggplant fries, preheat the oven to 425°F Wedge a wire rack atop a baking sheet (so the fries will be slightly elevated and not directly touching the baking sheet).
2. Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Then cut each round into 1/2-inch thick spears. Set aside.
3. Pour the flour into a small bowl. Beat the eggs together in another small bowl. In a third small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, za'atar, salt and cayenne.
4. Roll the eggplant spears in the flour, dunk them in the egg, and then roll them into the bread crumb mixture. Lay each spear close to one another on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and crispy, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle the tops with flaky salt.
5. While the fries are baking, combine all the ingredients for the dip except the water in a small bowl. To thin, add a drizzle of water and stir vigorously until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve the fries with the dipping sauce while the fries are still hot.