Lebanese Grilled Eggplant With Labneh Recipes

GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH LEBNEH

Steps:

• If using whole-milk plain yogurt, drain in a paper-towel-lined sieve set over a bowl, covered and chilled, 8 to 12 hours.
• Mince garlic and mash to a paste with a pinch of salt, then transfer to a bowl. Whisk in lebneh or drained yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and enough water to make mixture resemble well-stirred sour cream.
• Prepare grill for cooking. If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on moderately high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce heat to moderate.
• Brush eggplant slices generously with oil on both sides and sprinkle with remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Grill slices on lightly oiled grill rack, covered only if using a gas grill, turning over occasionally, until eggplant is tender, 12 to 15 minutes total. Transfer as cooked to a platter, arranging slices in 1 layer. Put a spoonful of yogurt mixture on each eggplant slice and top with a mint leaf.

LEBANESE EGGPLANTS (MESSAKA'A)

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in pot and fry the eggplants.
• Remove them and put them aside.
• Add the garlic to the same pot for 2 minutes.
• Add the onions and keep until transparent, stirring frequently.
• Add the tomatoes for 2 minutes.
• Add the eggplants, chickpeas, salt and pepper and simmer for 20 minutes.

LABNEH (LEBANESE CREAM CHEESE)

Steps:

• Line a large colander with a cheesecloth. Stir salt into the yogurt, and pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth. Set the colander in the sink or bowl to catch the liquid that drains off. Leave to drain for 24 hours.
• After draining for the 24 hours, transfer the resulting cheese to a bowl. Stir in the olive oil. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

GRILLED EGGPLANT DRIZZLED WITH MULTIPLE MIDDLE-EASTERN FLAVOURS

Steps:

• Grill whole eggplants in the oven turning to char or directly over a flame. The charred taste of flame-grilled eggplant is more authentic.
• Use tongs to turn the eggplant from side to side, ensuring that it's cooked and soft all over. Place the hot, grilled eggplant in a paper bag or inside a covered dish and allow it to cool slightly. This makes it easier to peel.
• Remove the eggplant to a plate and get a small bowl of cold water ready. When it's just cool enough to handle by its cap end, wet your fingers and pick off the charred peel.
• Cut it in half horizontally.
• Lay the eggplant down again and press a fork through the flesh, make striations along its length.
• Squeeze some lemon juice over the surface.
• Sprinkle cumin, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, over it.
• Add crushed garlic to labneh and mix very well.
• Drizzle it up and down its length. Criss-cross the surface with a trail of labneh.
• Drizzle it with date syrup and pomegranate molasses. You want only a little sweetness. Drizzle from side to side, or diagonally, so that it makes a pretty pattern.
• Eat while it's still warm.