Lebanese char-grilled eggplant & tomato salad

Name: Lebanese Char-Grilled Eggplant Tomato Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 eggplants, sliced; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Indulge in the Mediterranean flavors of Lebanese char-grilled eggplant and tomato salad. Tender slices of eggplant are char-grilled to perfection, then combined with juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. This vibrant salad offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a refreshing and satisfying side dish or light meal. Serve alongside grilled meats or seafood for a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast. Enjoy the bright and vibrant taste of Lebanese char-grilled eggplant and tomato salad!

½ cup thick Greek-style natural yoghurt
1½ tbs lemon juice
1 tsp pomegranate molasses (optional)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil + extra to serve
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp ground cumin
2 large (about 650g each) eggplants, trimmed and cut lengthways into 1cm-thick slices
1 red and 1 yellow capsicum, deseeded and cut lengthways into 1cm strips
2 x 250g stems cherry truss tomatoes
250g tub hummus
A few pinches of sumac and lemon wedges, to serve

STEP 1 Combine yoghurt and lemon juice in a small bowl. Swirl through the pomegranate molasses if using. Chill until ready to serve.

STEP 2 Combine oil, garlic, cumin and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Place eggplant, capsicums and tomatoes onto a large tray. Liberally brush with oil.

STEP 3 Preheat a greased barbecue or char-grill pan on medium-high heat. Barbecue or char-grill vegetables, in batches, for 10 minutes per batch and turning once, until tender and lightly charred and tomatoes have blistered. Transfer to a tray.

STEP 4 Swirl half of the hummus onto a serving platter. Arrange eggplant, capsicums and tomatoes on the platter. Drizzle with yoghurt mixture. Sprinkle with sumac. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges and remaining hummus.

Nutritional Facts

Tomato: Rich in vitamins C and K; supports immune and bone health. Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that promotes heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Eggplant: High in fiber, vitamins B1 and B6; supports digestive health and energy production. Contains antioxidants like nasunin, which protect brain cells and support overall health.

Tips and Tricks

Lebanese Char-grilled Eggplant Tomato Salad: Select firm eggplants and ripe tomatoes for a flavorful salad. Substitute eggplants with zucchinis for a similar texture.