MUTTABEL WITH ZA'ATAR-SPICED PITA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Split the eggplants in half through the stem and score the flesh sides. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast eggplants, flesh side down on a sheet pan, until the skin begins to wrinkle and flesh is very tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• When the eggplants are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and transfer to the bowl of a food processor along with the garlic, parsley, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, and cayenne and puree until smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil and pulse again to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the red bell pepper. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve with pita strips for dipping.
• While the eggplants are cooking, make pita strips: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Put the pita wedges in a large mixing bowl. Combine za'atar spice mix and extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl and drizzle over wedges. Season with salt and toss to coat evenly. Arrange pita wedges on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through.