BAKED EGGPLANT WITH FRIED CAPERS

I've prepared eggplant many ways - fried, sautéed, air fried - but this Baked Eggplant with Fried Capers is the best! It's spicy, salty, and a little sweet. You're going to love it!

INGREDIENTS:

4 Japanese eggplant
6 garlic cloves, peeled
⅓ cup harissa paste
6 tbsp capers, divided
¾ cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh dill, for garnish
Lemon zest, for garnish

Sauces
2 tbsp cherry preserves
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools
Cutting board
Knife
Food processor 
Baking sheet

 DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Combine the garlic cloves, harissa paste, 4 tablespoons of capers, and olive oil in a small food processor or blender. Season with salt and pepper and blend until smooth. Set 1/4 cup of the mixture aside.
4. Score the tops of the eggplant with a sharp knife and rub about 1 tablespoon of the mixture from the blender on top.
5. Toss the remaining 2 tablespoons of capers with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place next to the eggplant on the baking sheet (or put in a separate baking pan).
6. Roast the eggplant and capers for 10 minutes then remove the capers and set aside. Return the eggplant to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes, or until tender.
7. To prepare the first sauce, stir the cherry preserves into the reserved harissa paste mixture and mix well.
8. For the other sauce, combine the Greek yogurt with the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and mix until smooth.
9. To serve, place the eggplant on a serving platter, drizzle with both sauces, top with the fried capers, and garnish with some fresh dill and lemon zest. Enjoy!