Long-Roasted Aubergine with Garlic, Labne and Chilli Croutons

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Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman

4 serving

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 45 mins

Serves: 4

Aubergine is a wonderful vegetable (OK, it's a fruit) with special powers. That custardy texture is easy to achieve when the aubergine gets halved lengthways, drenched in olive oil and roasted at a very high temperature. Whatever you do, make sure there’s at least one large aubergine half per person. Looking for more aubergine recipes? Look no further.

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 large aubergines
185ml olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 red chilli, very thinly sliced or you can use 1 tsp chilli flakes
175g crusty bread, torn into 1cm pieces
250g labne, full-fat greek yogurt or sour cream
1 preserved lemon, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice, extra to taste
1 large handful mint or coriander leaves
1 bowl of rice, to serve

Method

Step 1

Preheat oven to 235°C/215°C fan/gas 8. With a knife, score the cut side of the aubergines. (Lengthways, crossways or diagonally. Knock yourself out!)

Step 2

Place the aubergines cut-side up on a baking tray and drizzle evenly with 125ml of the olive oil. Season and turn the aubergine over so it’s cut side down.

Step 3

Place in the oven and roast, without moving, until tender and golden on the bottom, 40-45 mins. (The skin will look shrivelled and the aubergine on the verge of collapse; you can also use a spatula to lift and check the underside for colour.)

Step 4

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 60ml olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the garlic and chilli until frizzled and fragrant, but not browned, 1-2 mins. Add the bread and season. Stir until evenly toasted, 3-5 mins. Remove and set aside.

Step 5

Combine the labne, preserved lemon and lemon juice in a bowl; season and add more lemon juice, if liked. Smear the mixture over a large serving dish.

Step 6

Once the aubergine is ready, use a spatula to carefully lift each half on top of the labne, cut side up. Scatter with the crispy croutons and herbs before serving alongside a bowl of rice.