Smoky Eggplant Raita
At the farmers' market, look for peak-season eggplant, especially slender Italian or Japanese varieties. Use a charcoal grill for the smokiest flavor.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Heat grill to high (450° to 550°) with an area left clear or turned off for indirect heat. Pierce eggplant in several places with a knife. Grill eggplant over indirect heat, covered, until very tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to touch; meanwhile, continue with recipe.
Step 2
2
Toast about 1/2 tsp. cumin in a small, dry frying pan over medium heat until fragrant and beginning to darken, 2 to 3 minutes. Pound fine with a mortar and pestle.
Step 3
3
Warm oil in pan over medium heat. Sauté onion 3 minutes. Add garlic, then sauté until both are softened, about 2 minutes more. Let cool slightly.
Step 4
4
Slit eggplant lengthwise and scrape flesh from skin. Chop flesh coarsely and set aside.
Step 5
5
Combine yogurt, onion mixture, cilantro, and sugar in a bowl. Add eggplant and stir gently. Season to taste with salt, cumin, and cayenne. Garnish with a little more cilantro.
Step 6
6
Make ahead: Through step 4 up to 1 hour; hold at room temperature.
Step 7
7
Note: Nutritional analysis is per 1/2-cup serving.
Ingredients
1 pound slender Italian or Japanese eggplant
About 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon sugar
About 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
About 1/8 tsp. cayenne
Directions
Step 1
1
Heat grill to high (450° to 550°) with an area left clear or turned off for indirect heat. Pierce eggplant in several places with a knife. Grill eggplant over indirect heat, covered, until very tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to touch; meanwhile, continue with recipe.
Step 2
2
Toast about 1/2 tsp. cumin in a small, dry frying pan over medium heat until fragrant and beginning to darken, 2 to 3 minutes. Pound fine with a mortar and pestle.
Step 3
3
Warm oil in pan over medium heat. Sauté onion 3 minutes. Add garlic, then sauté until both are softened, about 2 minutes more. Let cool slightly.
Step 4
4
Slit eggplant lengthwise and scrape flesh from skin. Chop flesh coarsely and set aside.
Step 5
5
Combine yogurt, onion mixture, cilantro, and sugar in a bowl. Add eggplant and stir gently. Season to taste with salt, cumin, and cayenne. Garnish with a little more cilantro.
Step 6
6
Make ahead: Through step 4 up to 1 hour; hold at room temperature.
Step 7
7
Note: Nutritional analysis is per 1/2-cup serving.
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