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Grilled Eggplant Spread

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 3 cups

Ingredients

4

pounds medium eggplants

1

small red onion

2

large garlic cloves

2

/3 cup packed fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves

1

/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3

tablespoons white-wine vinegar

3

tablespoons mayonnaise

Accompaniment: spiced pita toasts

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare grill.

    Step 2

    Pierce eggplants in several places with a fork and grill on a rack set 5 to 6 inches over glowing coals, turning them occasionally, until very soft, 30 to 40 minutes. (Alternatively, broil eggplants under a preheated broiler about 6 inches from heat 30 to 40 minutes. Broiled eggplant will not have a smoky flavor.)

    Step 3

    Transfer eggplants to a colander and, when cool enough to handle, quarter lengthwise. With a small knife remove and discard as many seeds as possible. Scrape flesh into a large sieve set over a bowl, discarding skin. Drain eggplant, covered and chilled, 1 day. Discard any juices from eggplant. Mince onion and garlic and finely chop parsley. In a food processor pulse eggplant with onion, garlic, parsley, and remaining ingredients until coarsely puréed. Transfer spread to a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Chill spread, covered, at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.

    Step 4

    Serve spread with pita toasts.