EGGPLANT AND TAHINI SPREAD

Eggplant and Tahini Spread image

Yield Makes about 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 large eggplants (2 1/2 lb total)
1/4 cup well-stirred tahini (Middle Eastern sesame paste)
2 to 3 garlic cloves, chopped and mashed to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Accompaniment: toasted pita wedges

Steps:

Prepare grill for cooking.
Grill eggplants on a rack set 4 inches over glowing coals, turning every 10 minutes, until charred all over and very soft, 20 to 35 minutes. (Or broil in a shallow baking pan about 6 inches from heat, turning occasionally.) Cool eggplants.
Discard charred skins and tough stem ends and purée eggplants in a blender with tahini, garlic paste, lemon juice, cumin, and salt until combined well. Season with more salt if necessary.
Transfer to a plate or bowl, then drizzle with oil and sprinkle with parsley.