Roasted Eggplant (Aubergine) and Pepper Salad

Submitted by Mary Fillmore

"I have also used an Italian dressing with this to good results.(We've also used this as an appetizer with chips and crackers)"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 20mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 2 eggplants, cut into 3/4 inch thick slices (2 1/2 lbs.)
• 2 large green bell peppers, cut into 1/2 inch wide strips
• 2 large red bell peppers, cut into 1/2 inch wide strips
• 8 garlic cloves, large, unpeeled
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• 3⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cumin, ground
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 pita bread rounds, warm, cut into wedges

directions

1. Position rack in top third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees.
2. Spray large heavy baking sheet with cooking spray.
3. Combine the eggplant, peppers, garlic and olive oil in a large bowl. Toss well.
4. Transfer to the prepared sheet. Bake until eggplant is brown and the peppers are tender, stirring every 10 minutes.
5. Scape vegetables and pan juices into a bowl, saving the garlic for the dressing.
6. Combine the vinegar, cumin, salt, pepper and cayenne in a food processor.
7. Peel the roasted garlic, add to the food processor. Puree until smooth.
8. Toss the vegetables with 1/4 cup of the dressing.
9. Cool, and let sit for a while to let the flavors develop.
10. To serve: Bring to room temperature. Mound salad in center of large platter.
11. Serve with the pita wedges.

Reviews

[troy hawkins]

Very easy recipe to use as a base for your imagination. I added chopped jalapenos and pureed it for a spread to use over toasted, pita triangles.

 

[Bouffophile]

Oh la la! I tried this recipe and loved it! Next time I would serve it hot or cold, not at room temperature. The spices are exquisite. Merci Mary! I am going to make it again tonight.