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ZA'ATAR ROASTED CHICKPEA & EGGPLANT TOMATO SALAD WITH TAHINI DRESSING.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound eggplant, washed and trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 cups cooked chickpeas, drained (2 15-oz. cans)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon za'atar spice mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2-3 pounds heirloom tomatoes, or other hearty tomatoes
  • olive oil & red wine vinegar to taste
  • flaky sea salt to taste
  • coarsely chopped basil to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF.
  • Slice eggplant into 1-inch cubes and lay in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sea salt and toss. Let sit for 20 minutes, then squeeze the eggplant with paper towels to remove excess water.
  • Add chickpeas to the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with za'atar, coriander, and cumin. Toss to coat thoroughly and return to a single layer. Roast for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until eggplant is tender and browning, and chickpeas are beginning to get crisp on the outside.
  • In a measuring cup or bowl, whisk together tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until it turns pale and homogenizes into a dressing.
  • Cut heirloom tomatoes into medium-thick slices and layer five or six slices on a single plate, per serving. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle with sea salt and chopped basil. Top with a hearty handful or two of roasted chickpeas and eggplant, and drizzle with tahini dressing. Finish with a fragrant handful of basil.