Charred Eggplant and Tomatoes with Harissa and Mint Recipe

20110816-166387-eggplant-tomatoes-harissa.jpg
Max Falkowitz

Young, firm eggplants are the best for this dish. Cook them just till they char and become tender, any longer and they will turn mushy. After a few seconds, they will absorb all the oil in the pan; they will cook just fine without the need for more.

Recipe Details

Charred Eggplant and Tomatoes with Harissa and Mint Recipe

Prep 20 mins
Cook 10 mins
Active 30 mins
Total 30 mins
Serves 4 servings
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Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 1 1/2 pounds eggplant, diced into 1-inch cubes

  • 1 pound fresh tomatoes, large dice (small tomatoes can be halved)

  • 4 clove cloves garlic, sliced

  • 1 tbsp harissa, to taste, plus more for the table

  • 1 tsp lemon juice, to taste

  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped mint leaves, loosely packed

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for garnish

Directions

  1. Heat a large cast iron skillet on very high heat until it smokes. Add 4 tablespoons oil and wait till it shimmers, then add eggplant. Stir to coat with oil and cook until lightly charred and tender but toothsome, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet to a bowl or plate.

  2. Let skillet heat again until smoking, then add remaining two tablespoons oil and let shimmer. Add tomatoes and a fat pinch of salt, stirring occasionally until softened, juicy, and lightly charred. Add garlic, 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons harissa (more if you like), and cooked eggplant to skillet. Toss and cook for one minute, then remove skillet from heat.

  3. Add lemon juice, mint, and a glug of extra virgin olive oil. Toss, add salt to taste, and serve immediately, with extra harissa at the table.

Special equipment

cast iron skillet

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
306 Calories
25g Fat
21g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 306
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 25g 32%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 66mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 6g 22%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 19mg 97%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 536mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)