Recipes
Harissa & Walnut Stuffed Baby Eggplant with Almond Chimichurri Drizzle
- Yield: 10 Servings
- Prep Time: 20 Mins.
- Cook Time: 40 Mins.
- 2016 Fisher® "My Fresh Twist" Recipe Contest Finalist. This exotic vegetarian appetizer is fit for a king’s table! Perfectly roasted baby eggplant halves filled with an outrageous harissa-kissed walnut filling and are showered with a zesty almond chimichurri. Sheer delight!
Ingredients
- 10 baby eggplants (cut in half lengthwise, w/ stem attached)
- 10 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cups finely sliced onions
- 4 minced large garlic cloves, divided
- 2 cups Fisher® Chef’s Naturals Walnuts, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, divided
- 1 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley, divided
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3/4 cup Fisher® Chef’s Naturals Sliced Almonds, toasted and finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup minced green onions
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut a 1/2 inch slit (lengthwise) through center of eggplant (without cutting all the way though); place eggplants on baking sheet, drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 pepper; Bake for 20 minutes in pre-heated oven; elevate oven temperature to broil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Meanwhile, in a large non-stick skillet, sauté onions and 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 Tbsp olive till browned; add walnuts and cook (stirring occasionally) for about 5 minutes till aromatic; add tomato paste, harrisa, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup chopped parsley, honey, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste) and 1/4 tsp pepper ; cook over low heat for another 3-5 minutes; transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Combine the following chimichurri ingredients in a medium bowl: almonds, 1 cup parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, jalapeño, cilantro, green onions, 4 Tbsp lemon juice, 6 Tbsp olive oil, red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper; set aside.
- To assemble, carefully pull open eggplant slit and fill with Harissa/walnut filling; place filled eggplants over a serving tray; drizzle with chimichurri. Enjoy!
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