Spread a sesame bagel with the silky eggplant dip, then top with crisp cucumbers and radishes, spicy rocket and tart onions marinated in lemon juice. We add a dash of za'atar for an extra burst of flavour.
YIELDS:4 serving(s)PREP TIME:35 minsTOTAL TIME:1 hr. 40 mins Cal/Serv:517
INGREDIENTS FOR BABA GHANOUSH:1 large eggplant (1 to 1 1/2 lb.), halved lengthwise
2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
1/4 c. tahini
2 Tbsp. exrtra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
INGREDIENTS FOR SUMAC ONIONS:1 small red onion, sliced (about 1 c.)
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. sumac
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
INGREDIENTS FOR ASSEMBLY:4 sesame bagels, halved, toastedZa'atar, for sprinkling3 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced4 radishes, thinly slicedKosher salt2 c. arugulaExtra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Step 1: Set a rack in the upper third of the oven and turn the grill on high. Place the sliced aubergine cut side down on a baking pan covered with foil. Bake the aubergine under the grill for about 20 minutes,
DIRECTIONS FOR BABA GHANOUSH:
Step 2: or until the outside is browned and a knife plunged into the inside comes out clean. After flipping the eggplant, broil for a further five minutes, or until it begins to brown in places.
Step 3: Move the aubergine to a colander and let it to drain for approximately ten minutes, or until it is safe to handle.
Step 4: Remove the meat with a spoon and place in a big dish. Add the oil, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and red pepper, if using.
Step 5: Mash the aubergine with a fork until it's fully mixed and broken down. Season with black pepper and salt. For at least thirty minutes or, better still, up to overnight, cover and chill.
DIRECTIONS FOR SUMAC ONIONS:
Step: In a small bowl, mix together onions, sumac, lemon juice and salt while the aubergine roasts. Apply the seasonings on the onions with your hands. Let marinate until ready to use, stirring from time to time.
DIRECTIONS FOR ASSEMBLY:
Step 1: After dividing the baba ghanoush between the bagel halves, top with za'atar.
Step 2: Arrange the radishes and cucumbers on either half of the bagel and sprinkle with salt. Add rocket, onions and a drizzle of oil over top; if desired, season with salt and additional za'taar.