Sun-Dried Tomato & Eggplant Schmear

If the eggplant we get from our local market is neither oval in shape nor white like an egg…why is it called an egg plant? According to the website “Bite Size of Amazing Facts” the first eggplants to reach European chefs during the Middle Ages were a rare white species, oval in shape. They did, indeed, resemble an egg and therefore the name “eggplant” was born and perpetuated even when other varieties (including oblong purple ones) made their appearance. 

The best thing, I think, about eggplants is the nutritive value. Eggplants are low in calories, provide a fair amount of protein and fiber and are relatively low in carbohydrates. The good news is they contain no fat or cholesterol! The really good news is that when combined with sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic and fresh herbs…the overall flavor is amazing!!

Ingredients:

2 pounds eggplant (peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes)

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

4 large cloves roasted garlic (chopped)

½ cup oil-packed sun dried tomatoes (chopped)

½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (chopped)

½ cup fresh basil (chopped)

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt to taste

Pinch cayenne pepper

Directions:

Sauté the eggplant in the olive oil until tender – about 15 or 20 minutes on medium heat. This is a lot of eggplant to cook so unless you have a gigantic frying or sauté pan it will take two batches to cook it all. If you do it in two batches, use 3-tablespoons olive oil for the first batch and 3-tablespoons for the second. The eggplant will soak up the olive oil as it cooks. Not to worry. We want the eggplant to soak it up. It adds flavor.

When the eggplant is cool, combine the balance of the ingredients with the eggplant and blend them together. I like to use a blender on pulse but mashing by hand works well too. Again, this is a lot of eggplant. It will take a few trips to the blender to get it all mashed up. If using a blender, be sure to pour all blended ingredients into a large bowl and then mix the batches together until all ingredients are well blended.

I like to refrigerate this for about an hour before serving (but it is not necessary). Use as a spread on crostini or use as a dip with your favorite cracker.