This month I am bringing you another delicious plant-powered recipe to enjoy this summer. Aubergine (eggplant), chickpeas and tahini are three of my favourite foods, so here I bring them all together into a delectable little high-fibre and high-protein dish.
I never used to think much of aubergine, but these days I find that simply roasting it with some salt and olive oil is the most delicious way to add it to a meal. And best of all it is such an easy way to add more plants to your plate. This recipe is a nice simple one (my favourite type), delivering a crunch of roasted chickpeas and a smoothness of rich tahini to bring together a mouthwatering concoction of flavours that can be added to a main meal, BBQ, or consumed as a light but special lunch.
Serves: 2
Time: 40 minutes
Fibre per serving: 29g
Protein per serving: 20g
Ingredients:
2 aubergines
30ml extra virgin olive oil (or alternative vegetable oil)
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1.5 tbsp tahini
1 tsp lemon juice
15g fresh parsley, chopped
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 220ºC.
- Place the aubergine on a baking tray, cut side facing up and drizzle with half the olive oil.
- Lightly dry the chickpeas with paper towel and add to a medium-sized bowl. Toss with half the sea salt and cumin. Add the chickpeas to the baking tray alongside the aubergine. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove, gently shake the baking sheet and flip the aubergine. Bake for 15 minutes more.
- Make the tahini dressing by adding the remaining olive oil, remaining sea salt, tahini and lemon juice to a mason jar. Shake vigorously until all ingredients are combined. If the dressing becomes too thick, thin with a splash of water.
- Once the aubergine and chickpeas are finished cooking, add to a plate. Top with tahini dressing and parsley.
- Serve and enjoy as a small dish or added as a side!