Aubergine and Coriander Pate with Crispy Pitta Bread
If you struggle to find new ways to cook with an aubergine, this recipe is a delicious vegetarian starter which is so easy to make yet it looks and tastes much more complex. Serve in a large bowl topped with coriander and lime wedges with slices of hot, crispy pitta bread around it then let your guests help themselves.
Ingredients
4 large aubergines
4 tablespoons thick natural yogurt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus some to brush Pitta bread
1 small garlic clove, crushed
Bunch of coriander, washed and chopped, (save a sprig to decorate)
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt
Lime juice and lime wedges for serving
Pitta bread
Serves 2
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 200⁰c fan, 210⁰c conventional, gas 6. Place the aubergines on a baking tray and cook until the skins have begun to blacken and peel off.
- Put the blackened aubergines into a plastic bag and seal. When cool, peel the blackened skin off and put the aubergine flesh into a sieve or colander so that excess moisture can drain off, for about half an hour.
- Place the flesh into a bowl or food processor and mash or blend briefly so that there is still some texture to the aubergine.
- Mix in the yogurt, oil, garlic and coriander. Season the pâté with pepper, salt and the lime juice.
- For the crispy pitta: heat the oven to 170°C fan oven, 180°C conventional oven, Gas 5. Split the pitta bread horizontally, cut in half and brush each cut side with olive oil.
- Place on to a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool.
- Place the pâté into a serving dish surround with the crispy pitta bread; decorate with the coriander sprig and lime wedges. Scoop the pâté up with the crispy pitta bread.