Eggplant Emoji

You've been growing wonderful food in your garden and the fruits of your labor are paying off...so now what? Each week I'll be offering up a favorite recipe for what is ready to harvest in your garden. 

This week: Eggplant

The Eggplant is not only gorgeous to look at but it is packed with vitamins and wonderful nutrients. The eggplant is also full of phytonutrients which improve blood circulation and nourishes the brain. Eggplants are high in bioflavonoids, which are known to control high blood pressure and relieve stress. Research even suggests they lower bad cholestorol, making them a heart healthy food when baked. So get to harvesting so you can enjoy this simple treat!

Delicious Baba Ganoush

Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- 3 garlic cloves, peel on
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice according to taste
- 1/4 cup tahini paste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
pinch of paprika for garnish

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Poke the eggplant all over with fork and place on baking sheet with garlic and roast until tender, 40-45 minutes.
Remove garlic after 30 minutes and remove peel. Remove eggplant from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing peel.

Place eggplant, garlic and tahini in food processor and mix until smooth but not pureed. Scrape the mixture into a bowl and add lemon juice, cumin and salt. Stir thoroughly.

Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle paprika and fresh cilantro. Enjoy with toasted pita or vegetables.