Fire-Roasted Aubergine with Tahini & Lemon

Roasting whole aubergines over glowing wood embers gives their flesh a rich, smoky flavour and a soft, almost creamy texture. The intense heat chars the skin while the inside cooks slowly, creating the base for a dish inspired by Eastern Mediterranean cooking.

The contrast between the warm aubergine, creamy tahini dressing and fresh herbs makes this particularly suitable for an outdoor lunch or a shared meal prepared over an open fire.

Ingredients | Serves 4

2 large aubergines
3 tbsp tahini
1 lemon, juiced
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2–3 tbsp cold water
2 tbsp pine nuts
A handful of flat-leaf parsley
A few fresh mint leaves
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional: pomegranate seeds

Preparation

1. Roast the aubergines

Place the whole aubergines on a grill directly above glowing embers. Turn occasionally for approximately 25–35 minutes, depending on their size and the heat. The skins should become completely charred and the flesh should feel very soft.

2. Prepare the tahini dressing

Mix the tahini with lemon juice, garlic and a pinch of salt. Gradually add cold water until the dressing becomes smooth and pourable.

3. Prepare the toppings

Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan until golden. Roughly chop the parsley and mint.

4. Assemble the dish

Allow the aubergines to cool slightly. Carefully split them lengthways and open them on a serving plate, leaving the charred skins underneath.

Spoon the tahini dressing over the warm flesh. Finish with olive oil, toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs and a little black pepper. Add pomegranate seeds for extra freshness if desired.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with warm flatbread, a tomato and cucumber salad or grilled halloumi. The aubergines can also be prepared alongside other vegetables roasted over the embers.

For the best flavour, use dry, untreated cooking wood and wait until the fire has produced a stable bed of glowing embers. Only cook over an open fire where local regulations permit it.

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