Baba Ghanoush

Hand-chopped baba ghanoush

• How do you like your baba ghanoush? Pureed or hand-chopped? This recipe has directions for both.
• Once you roast the eggplant, this is a quick recipe -- especially if you use your food processor; hand chopping will take a little longer.
• Baba ghanoush can be used as an appetizer or a sandwich filling. 
• For more flavor, start with whole cumin seeds. Toast them in a dry skillet, and then grind them in a mortar and pestle.

Spiced Lentils

• This is a great summer recipe -- it can be made in advance and served cold.
• Spiced lentils can be served as a side dish, a sandwich filler, or in a salad.
• I like the way the salt brings out the sweetness of the wine vinegar.
• I only use French lentils for this recipe, because they hold their shape and have a nice color. Some say they also have a different flavor.  I imagine you could use ordinary lentils for this recipe but you need to watch them closely so they do not become mushy. Read about lentils and see photos of different varieties here.

Chopped (Eggless) Eggplant

Chopped Eggplant with Watercress

Like chopped liver, chopped eggplant can be served as an appetizer on greens, but it also makes a great sandwich -- espeically on rye bread with sliced tomato. It's also a great first course (served on lettuce) for a Passover seder.

Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade

Serve as a dip for cut vegetables or as a spread on crackers or bread. It's a great condiment in sandwiches, too. It also works as a pasta topping. Cooked carrots stretch the peppers and add sweetness.