Pan-Seared Aubergine with Buttermilk Dressing

Ingredients for Pan-Seared Aubergine with Buttermilk Dressing

• 8 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 medium shallot, chopped, divided

• 2 tablespoons buttermilk, plain yoghurt, or crème fraîche

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 4 tablespoons finely chopped chives, divided

• 350g Japanese aubergine (about 2 small), halved lengthwise, sliced crosswise on a diagonal 1/4-inch thick

• 2 Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise on a diagonal

• 1/4 cup parsley leaves with tender stems

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 avocado, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Add half of shallot and cook, stirring often, until tender and slightly charred and crisp around the edges, about 5 minutes; season with salt. Remove skillet from heat.

Whisk buttermilk, vinegar, mustard, honey, and several grinds of pepper in a medium bowl until smooth. Scrape in charred shallot; reserve skillet. Add 45ml oil and 2 tablespoons chives and mix well. Season dressing with salt.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in reserved skillet over medium-high. Add half of aubergine slices and arrange in a single layer; season lightly with salt. Cook, without moving, until browned underneath, about 3 minutes. Turn; cook on second side until browned and tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet and repeat with remaining aubergine slices.

Let aubergine cool slightly, then add cucumbers, parsley, lemon juice, half of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon chives to bowl. Toss well; season with salt and pepper. Gently fold in avocado.

Transfer to a platter and drizzle with several spoonfuls of dressing (you don’t need to use all of it). Top with remaining lemon zest, shallot, and 1 tablespoon chives.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.