Babaganoush Italian-style

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PRESENTATION

Are you looking for a captivating idea for your summer appetizers? Try Italian-style babaganoush! A simple variation of the traditional Middle Eastern recipe, also known as eggplant caviar. Unlike the original babaganoush, however, this version does not include tahini (the typical sesame seed cream that also characterizes the preparation of hummus), but only baked eggplant pulp. To dilute the strong flavor of the garlic, we used confit cooking which makes it more delicate and digestible. Perfect to accompany with the classic pita, the Italian-style babaganoush is garnished with cherry tomatoes, radishes and ricotta for a result with an irresistible Mediterranean taste!

INGREDIENTS

Eggplant 1 lb (500 g)
For the garlic confit
Garlic 1
Extra virgin olive oil 1 cup (200 g)
Fine salt to taste
For the cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes 0.66 lb (300 g)
Sugar 1 pinch
Oregano to taste
Fine salt to taste
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
For garnishing
Radishes 3
Shallot 1
Salt to taste
Oregano to taste - dry
Sweet Paprika to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Babaganoush Italian-style

To make the Italian-style babaganoush, first remove the end of the eggplant 1, then divide it in half 2 and cut the pulp with the tip of a knife, without affecting the peel 3.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it with a drizzle of oil 4, then lay the eggplant with the cut side facing down 5. Bake in a preheated static oven at 430°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes 6; they must be soft and slightly golden. If after cooking the aubergines are particularly watery, leave them to rest in a colander for about 30 minutes so they will lose the vegetation water.

Meanwhile, prepare the garlic confit: crush the garlic head, peel the cloves and put them in a saucepan 7 together with the oil 8; it is important that the wedges are completely immersed in oil. Heat the oil over very low heat for 40 minutes, the garlic should be soft and browned 9.

Switch to the cherry tomatoes: wash and divide them in half 10, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper with the cut side facing up 11, salt 12 and add a pinch of sugar.

Sprinkle with oregano 13 and season with plenty of oil 14. Bake in a preheated static oven at 390°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes; they must be wilted, well toasted and caramelized 15.

When the eggplants are warm, take the pulp with the help of a spoon 16 and transfer it to a jug 17, then add a few tablespoons of flavored oil 18 and a pinch of salt.

Also add a couple of cloves of confit garlic 19 and blend with an immersion mixer 20 to obtain a creamy and homogeneous consistency 21.

Pour the eggplant cream into a serving bowl and garnish with the baked cherry tomatoes 22, then add a few slices of radish 23 and shallot, which you can soak in water and vinegar to dilute the flavor 24 .

Finally season with salt flakes 25, oregano 26 and a pinch of paprika. If you wish, you can also add a few flakes of ricotta. Your Italian-style babaganoush is ready to be served 27!

Storage

The Italian-style babaganoush can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days, without the decorations.

Garlic oil can be stored in the refrigerator.

Tips

You can use the confit garlic and garlic flavored oil separately to flavor your favorite dishes!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.