Babaganoush

3 small eggplants*
2 tbsp tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
some flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Prick each eggplant a few times with the tines of a fork.
If you have a gas stove, turn on one of the burners and char the eggplants all over, turning them often as they blacken. (Skip this step if you have an electric stove, or do this on a grill if you have one and weather permits.)
Place the eggplants on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast until they are extremely soft and have collapsed in on themselves, about 30-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully cut a slit down the center of each to allow the steam to escape. Leave the eggplants to cool to room temperature.
Scrape out and discard as many of the seeds from the eggplants as you can, then scrape the pulp into the bowl of a food processor. Add remaining ingredients, and process until you reach your desired consistency: some people prefer smooth; others like to leave it a little chunky.
Taste and adjust the seasonings. Chill for a few hours, and preferably overnight, before serving.
* We’ve called for small eggplant because these tend to be less bitter, however you can easily substitute two medium/large eggplant if that’s what’s available