Garlicky Eggplant and Pepper Soup with Mint
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 3 medium eggplants (about 3 3/4 pounds total), halved lengthwise
- 6 red bell peppers
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- Salt
- Cayenne pepper
- 5 cups rich chicken stock, preferably homemade (see Note)
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons minced mint, plus more for garnish
- Preheat the oven to 400.
- Lightly brush a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil.
- Arrange the eggplants on the baking sheet, cut side down, and bake until just tender, about 20 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then cut the eggplant halves lengthwise into thirds.
- Discard the eggplant skin and the very seedy portions, then cut the eggplants into 1/2-inch chunks.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Lightly brush the red peppers with olive oil and set on a heavy baking sheet.
- Broil the red peppers 6 inches from the heat, turning the peppers occasionally, until lightly charred all over, about 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 10 minutes.
- Peel, core and seed the peppers, then cut them into 1/4-inch dice.
- In a large saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering.
- Add the onions and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes.
- Gently stir in the eggplants and peppers and season with salt and cayenne.
- Add the stock and bring to a boil.
- Simmer over moderate heat until the flavors blend, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a mortar, pound the garlic with 1/2 teaspoon of salt until smooth.
- Stir in the mayonnaise, lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne.
- Stir the 2 tablespoons of mint into the soup and ladle into shallow bowls.
- Top with a dollop of aioli and a sprinkling of mint and serve.
extravirgin olive oil, eggplants, red bell peppers, onions, salt, cayenne pepper, chicken stock, garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mint
Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/garlicky-eggplant-and-pepper-soup-with-mint (may not work)