Eggplant (Aubergine) With Pomegranate Molasses

From 'Cooking of the Eastern Mediterranean' by Paula Wolfert.

• Ready In: 39 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs Japanese eggplants
•  olive oil

• For Sauce

• 2  tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1  garlic clove, crushed to puree with
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2 -3  tablespoons of fresh mint, shredded
• 1  tablespoon flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 2  tablespoons pomegranate seeds (really pretty) (optional)

Directions

1. Start the preparation the day before serving.
2. Preheat the oven to 425F degrees.
3. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil.
4. Remove the stem end from each eggplant.
5. Slice the eggplants on the bias into 1/2-inch thick ovals.
6. Spread the slices on the baking sheet in a single layer and brush with olive oil.
7. Bake the eggplants 12 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Using a spatula, transfer the slices, overlapping slightly, to a shallow serving dish.
9. In a small bowl, combine the Pomegranate Molasses, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, olive oil, and salt; blend well.
10. Drizzle the sauce over the eggplant.
11. Top with the mint, parsley and pomegranate seeds.
12. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand until ready to serve.
13. (Can be refrigerated overnight, but is best served at room temperature.).