Roasted Eggplants Stuffed with Lemon Pearl Couscous, Spiced Chickpeas and Green Tahini Cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh without piercing the skin. Place them on a baking tray, brush with 2 tbsp olive oil, season with 1/2 tsp salt and some black pepper, and roast for 25 minutes until tender.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, toss the chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, red pepper flakes if using, 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper. Spread on an empty section of the tray or on a second tray and roast at 220 °C / 425 °F for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden.

3. 3

   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the pearl couscous and toast for 1 minute.

4. 4

   Pour 180 ml / 3/4 cup hot water into the skillet with the couscous, add 1/2 tsp salt, cover partially, and cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the couscous is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and mix in the lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, half of the chopped parsley, the mint, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin.

5. 5

   Make the green tahini cream by blending the tahini, 1 garlic clove, the remaining parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 to 4 tbsp water, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until smooth and thick but pourable.

6. 6

   Remove the eggplants from the oven and, using a spoon, gently press the flesh to create space without breaking the skin. Mix two thirds of the spiced chickpeas into the cooked couscous. Stuff the eggplants with this mixture.

7. 7

   Return the stuffed eggplants to the oven at 220 °C / 425 °F for 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the tops lightly brown.

8. 8

   Serve each eggplant with the green tahini cream spooned over the top, the remaining crispy chickpeas, and the chopped pistachios. Adjust with more salt, black pepper, or extra drops of lemon juice if desired.