Vegan Lebanese Feast: Eggplant Caviar, Quinoa Tabouleh, and Chickpea Falafel

Allergens

None

Ingredients

• Eggplant Caviar:
• 4 medium eggplants
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin Quinoa Tabouleh:
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chopped parsley
• 1 cup diced tomatoes Chickpea Falafel:
• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Eggplant Caviar:
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Slice eggplants into 1/2 inch thick rounds and brush with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Roast for 30 minutes or until tender, then let cool slightly.
4. In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until golden brown, then stir in cumin. Add cooked eggplant and mash gently to create a chunky puree. Set aside. Quinoa Tabouleh:
5. Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook with water in a 2:1 ratio according to package instructions. Let cool.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Add cooked quinoa, parsley, and tomatoes, tossing gently to combine. Set aside. Chickpea Falafel:
7. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and olive oil into a thick dough.
8. Roll dough into small balls and flatten slightly to form patties. Pan fry in olive oil until golden brown and crispy. Set aside. Plating: Top view: Arrange eggplant caviar on the center of a plate, scooping it into a mound. Surround with quinoa tabouleh and top with chickpea falafel patties. Drizzle olive oil over the dish for an added touch. Bottom view: From a 45 degree angle, showcase the layers of flavors and textures in this Lebanese feast. Emphasize the crispy falafel, velvety eggplant caviar, and vibrant tabouleh for a stunning presentation.

Chef’s Insight

This recipe highlights the versatility of Lebanese cuisine, even when adapting it for a vegan diet. The combination of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Notes

Feel free to adjust seasonings to your personal taste preferences.