Eggplant and Chickpea Dip

I received some pretty asian eggplants in my CSA box this week and I had absolutely no idea what to do with them. When I did a quick search on foodgawker, I found this caponata-like dip recipe and knew that I had found a winner. Flecked with sweet basil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and ginger, this dip makes a perfect summer snack. Serve with pita chips or warm pita and enjoy!

Eggplant and Chickpea Dip
Just the Tip / Inspired by dash of east

Here’s what I used:

• 3 asian eggplants, cut into small chunks
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 5 cloves minced fresh garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
  2 tbsp hot chili paste (I used harissa)
• 2 large, ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (in oil, but drained with paper towels)
• 2 tbsp basil, chopped
• 1 14-oz can chickpeas, rinsed
• 2 tsp minced preserved lemon (optional)

Here’s what I did:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and onion and saute for about 5 minutes until starting to get tender. Add the eggplant, soy sauce, and chili paste and saute for another 3-4 minutes.  Add the fresh and sun-dried tomatoes and basil and saute for another couple minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and lightly pulse. Transfer the mixture back to the saute pan and add the chickpeas and preserved lemon. Stir to combine and cook everything together for a few minutes.
3. Transfer to a plastic container and let cool. Refrigerate until ready to serve.