60 minutes
A vibrant dish combining sweet tanginess of pomegranate with earthy flavors of eggplant and nutty aroma of toasted cumin seeds.
Extra-Firm Tofu, drained and patted dry
0 oz
teaspoons
tablespoons
to taste
Japanese Eggplant, sliced into even pieces
0 oz
to taste
Cumin Seeds, toasted
teaspoons
Fresh Herbs, chopped
handful
each
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tofu
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Drain and pat the tofu dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, pomegranate molasses, and ¼ cup of olive oil. Brush each piece of tofu with the soy mixture and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Prepare and Roast Eggplant
Slice the eggplant into even pieces and toss with ⅓ cup of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper on a separate baking sheet. Spread out in a single layer.
3. Roast Tofu and Eggplant
Place both the tofu and the eggplant in the preheated oven. Roast the tofu for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Roast the eggplant for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the last 10 minutes, add cumin seeds to the eggplant.
4. Toss Eggplant with Pomegranate Molasses and Herbs
Remove the roasted tofu and eggplant from the oven. Toss the eggplant with the remaining tablespoon of pomegranate molasses and fresh herbs. Serve with the tofu, garnished with lemon wedges.
Before marinating, ensure you've pressed the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible. This enhances its texture and allows it to absorb more of the marinade.
Allow the tofu to marinate for at least an hour, but ideally overnight. This deepens the flavor throughout the tofu rather than just coating the surface.
Ensure the eggplant cubes are evenly coated with oil and spaced out on the roasting pan to prevent steaming and achieve a better roasted texture.
Finish the dish with fresh herbs such as mint or cilantro and pomegranate seeds for a pop of freshness and texture.
After slicing the eggplant, generously salt it and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and bitterness.
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