Spicy aubergine salad with tomato crisps

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2largesFirm aubergines
2Beef tomatoes; red but still firm
Assorted salad leaves and herbs; such as rocket,
; lollo rosso, basil,
Parsley; all washed and
; dried
1smallPiec parmesan cheese
2Dried red chillies
2Star anise
Peel of 2 lemons
1teaspoonCumin
1teaspoonCoriander seed
1teaspoonGarlic; dried
1teaspoonFennel seed
1Part olive oil
2Parts grapeseed or groundnut oil
1Part balsamic vinegar
1pinchSugar and pepper
Grated parmesan

Directions

DRESSING

Dry all the spices together in a hot cupboard or low oven, then grind them finely in a coffee or spice grinder. You can use ground spices if you prefer but the flavour will not be the same.

Slice the tomatoes into rounds of about ⅛" thick and put them on to grease proof paper. Sprinkle with a little salt and sugar and place them in a hot cupboard or low oven to dry out. Once they are dry enough to pick up, turn them over to allow the other side to dry.

Using a potato peeler, peel down the side of the parmesan to produce long shavings. Any cheese that is left over can be grated and used for the dressing.

Slice the aubergines ½" thick, put on a tray and season with salt and the spice mix. Allow to stand for 30-40 minutes, then rinse and squeeze any excess water out of them and sprinkle with olive oil and more spice mix.

Fry the slices gently in a hot pan until they are golden brown and tender on both sides.

Make the dressing, then build up all the elements of the salad on plates and sprinkle the dressing over the top.

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Carlton Food Network

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