Add in some tomato, the zing of pomegranate molasses, generous handfuls of fresh herbs and the pop of pomegranate seeds, and you have something truly special.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup raw hulled millet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 3 large tomatoes, cores removed and finely diced
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- Seeds from 1 pomegranate
- Handful of fresh mint, for serving
- Handful of cilantro leaves, for serving
How to Make It
Step 1
Dice eggplant into 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a large bowl, sprinkle with salt and mix well. Set aside for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, to prepare the millet, rinse under cold running water and drain well. Place into a medium saucepan, add 2 cups water and a good pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid and reduce to the lowest setting.
Step 3
Cook for 20 minutes, by which time all the water will have been absorbed and the millet will be tender. Remove from the heat, keep the lid on and allow to sit for 5 minutes before fluffing up with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly while periodically fluffing up with a fork to prevent clumps.
Step 4
Drain liquid from the eggplant. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often until golden and tender. Add garlic and ginger and cook while stirring for 30 seconds. Add the spices and cook 20 seconds, or until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes and a touch of water (just enough to stop the base from catching and burning). Reduce the heat, partially cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tomatoes have collapsed and formed a thick sauce and the eggplant is meltingly soft. Add pomegranate molasses and adjust seasoning, if needed.
Step
Step 5
Serve eggplant with millet and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, mint and cilantro.