Of all the fruits and vegetables grown on vines, eggplant is surely one of the most delicious.  Incredibly versatile, it is actually the fruit of a nightshade plant. Eggplant can be grilled, roasted, sautéed and even pickled.

Traditionally used in many styles of Mediterranean cooking, eggplant is both a staple ingredient and comfort food. Azita-Bina Seibel, chef and owner of Lala Rokh and Bin 26 Enoteca in Boston creates a soul-satisfying Persian recipe for eggplant.

Choose eggplants that are heavy for their size, with vibrant-colored skin without blemishes or scratches. The stem and cap should be bright green, indicating it was just harvested.

1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled

2 pounds Chinese Eggplant

1 pound ripe plum tomatoes

_ teaspoon ground turmeric

_ cup olive oil, plus more for roasting

2 whole eggs (optional)

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Flatbread, warmed, for serving

1. Preheat a gas grill to medium heat or prepare a medium hot fire in a charcoal grill.

2. Brush the garlic with a little oil, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and roast on the grill over indirect heat until very soft, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and mash garlic into a coarse puree. Set aside.

3. Grill eggplant until skin is burned and the inside is cooked and very soft, about 20 minutes; cool slightly, then scoop flesh into a bowl with a spoon, leaving drained skin behind.

4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and drop the tomatoes into it for 30-45 seconds to loosen the peel. Remove tomatoes with a slotted spoon, cool slightly, peel, and coarsely chop.

5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the garlic, eggplant and tomato, stirring well; season with salt, pepper and turmeric. When the mixture is completely mixed and very hot, remove from the heat, stir in the eggs, taste, and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve with either flat bread (lavash or Syrian) as a cocktail dip or rice as a vegetarian dinner.

Serves 6

Recipe courtesy Chef Azita-Bina Seibel

Lala Rokh on Beacon Hill

97 Mt. Vernon Street
Boston, MA 02108
617-720-5511
www.lalarokh.com