Mutabbel

Mutabbel is a Lebanese dip prepared using aubergines/brinjal/eggplants , combined with Tahini paste and a few other seasonings. Its similar to Hummus or Baba Ganouj. Aubergines are baked or grilled over an open flame and then made paste of it. It s usually eaten as a dip with pita bread or Kubboos or added in other dishes. It has got an earthy light brown colour.I didn't ever know that eggplants have got lots of healing properties till I read about the Siri's Healing Food Event; co-hosted by  Kavita  . So this recipe goes to their event too.

Ingredients:

Eggplants 200 gm

Tahini paste 2 tbsp**

Lime juice 1-2 tbsp

Garlic 2 cloves

Salt to taste

Pomegranate seeds to garnish

Olive oil to garnish 4 tbsp or more


Method:

1.Cook the eggplants either by boiling or on stove top.I prefer to cook on an open flame which gives the authentic flavor of the dish 

If grilling on open flame:

Pierce the eggplants on all the sides & cover it individually using aluminum foil . Don't peel it.Hold the stem of it and cook on an open flame by turning occasionally till it gets cooked nicely. You can burn it a little to get a smoky flavor..

If using microwave:

Cook on HIGH for 10 min. in a covered dish by sprinkling little water over it.

2.Now put this in a bowl of cold water and peel it off.

3.Mash it using a potato masher, a fork or a food processor. Add tahini paste, garlic paste,salt & lime juice to it. Mix nicely. If you are using food-processor or grinder, just pulse it for a few seconds; don't make fine paste of it like hummos.

4.Garnish with olive oil & pomegranate seeds.

**Tahini Paste (could be bought from any supermarkets or made at home)

Ingredients:

• 5 cups sesame seeds
• 1 1/2 cups olive oil or vegetable oil

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 170C. Toast sesame seeds for 5-10 minutes, tossing the seeds frequently with a spatula. Do not allow to brown. Cool for 20 minutes.

Pour sesame seeds into food processor and add oil. Blend for 2 minutes. Check for consistency. The goal is a thick, yet pourable texture. Add more oil and blend until desired consistency.

Link this to Dish it Out co-hosted by Spicy Treats