Eggplants are not yet in-season here in Hawke’s Bay, but as I walked through the produce section of the supermarket the other day, there was a pile of glossy purple eggplant begging me to add them to my shopping trolley.

I stopped, I looked, I hesitated then I did something that I seldom do – I decided to purchase a couple! It was not the purchasing that was unusual, but rather the purchasing of produce from the supermarket and of non-Hawke’s Bay produce –and while these eggplant were not Hawke’s Bay grown they were New Zealand grown and a
fantastic price – just NZ$1.99! And, it was oh, so long since I had had eggplant!

Harissa Eggplant & Potatoes with Cumin Yogurt

This satisfying dish gets depth of flavour from the harissa, the flavour of which the eggplant absorbs like a sponge.

If, eggplants are not yet available at a reasonable price where you live, store this recipe away for a few months until they – the wait will be worth it!

Serves 4 as a side dish or 2 as vegetarian main

¼ cup olive oil
2 medium eggplants, cubed
500g new potatoes, scrubbed, cut in halve or quarters depending on size
2-3 tbsp Orcona harissa paste, or to taste
2 cups vegetable stock
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup natural Greek-style yogurt
1 tbsp ground cumin
½ cup chopped parsley

1              Heat in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat, add oil and heat for 30 seconds or until shimmering. Add eggplant cubes; reduce heat to medium, cover and cook, tossing frequently, for 8-10 minutes or until eggplants are tender.

2              Add potatoes and mix to combine. Add harissa paste and toss to coat. Stir in stock, bring to simmering and simmer, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are cooked. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3              Meanwhile, place yogurt and cumin in a small bowl and mix to combine. Set aside until serving time.

4              Serve eggplant mixture scattered with parsley and
accompanied by yogurt.

Happy cooking and eating.

Recipe by Rachel Blackmore

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