Tamarind Eggplant Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb eggplant (2 small to medium)
• 3 Tbsp Metropolitan Market Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 1 Tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves (1 tsp) garlic cloves, minced fine or pressed
• 1 tsp Aleppo pepper
• 1/2 tsp honey
• Garnishes
• 1 tsp sesame seeds, chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut eggplant into 1/2-inch wedges. Cut crisscross, diagonal hash marks in the flesh, about 1/8-inch deep. Place on parchment-lined sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
3. Roast for 15 minutes, flip, and roast another 10 minutes or until eggplant is soft and browned.
4. While eggplant roasts, mix tamarind paste, lemon juice, garlic, Aleppo pepper, honey, 2 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and a dash of black pepper. If it seems too thick, stir in a splash of water.
5. Brush tamarind mixture on browned eggplant. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until hot and glazed.
6. Cool eggplant for a few minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a platter and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.