Aubergine salad

This colourful Lebanese salad of roasted aubergine, peppers, pomegranate and a sweet and spicy dressing makes a mouth-watering treat for two

Prep:40 mins
Cook:55 mins

Serves 2
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 178
fat 10g
saturates 2g
carbs 14g
sugars 10g
fibre 10g
protein 4g
salt 0.2g

Ingredients

1 medium aubergine
1-2 spring onions, chopped
4 cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
½ small red pepper, deseeded and finely diced
½ small green pepper, deseeded and finely diced
1 tbsp mint, chopped
seeds from ½ pomegranate, to serve
juice ½ lemon
½ small red chilli (deseeded if you don’t like it too hot), finely chopped (optional)
½ tbsp pomegranate molasses
1 small garlic clove, crushed
1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve

Tip

Aubergines

I love cooking with aubergines because they can be used in so many dishes. If they are fresh the skin will be taut and shiny, but the skin colour varies, so don't be put off by any streaks of white, green or lavender.

Method

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and line a baking tray with foil. Prick the aubergine with a sharp knife to prevent it from exploding, then put it on the prepared tray and roast for 45-55 mins until the skin is wrinkled and it is very soft.
While the aubergine is roasting, make the dressing. Mix together the lemon juice, chilli, if using, the pomegranate molasses, garlic and olive oil in a bowl. Season and set aside.
When the aubergine is cool enough to handle, peel and place it in a colander. Press down on it very gently over a bowl to allow the juices to run out, then transfer the aubergine to a serving plate and cut into large pieces. Dress quickly with half of the dressing, then add the spring onions, cherry tomatoes and peppers to the plate. Pour over the remaining dressing and mix with your hands or a spoon to coat. Serve scattered with mint, pomegranate seeds and more olive oil drizzled over.