SPICY LAMB WITH CHARRED EGGPLANT PURéE AND PITA

Spicy Lamb with Charred Eggplant Purée and Pita image

Provided by Engin Akin

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 (12- to 14-ounce) eggplants
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt or drained plain whole-milk yogurt
7 (8-ounce) lamb shoulder blade chops (about 3/4 inch thick), trimmed and boned, meat cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
Chopped fresh mint or Italian parsley
Warm pita bread wedges

Steps:

Char eggplants directly over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides and very tender in center, about 20 minutes. Cool; cut open. Spoon flesh into sieve set over bowl; discard skins. Drain at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
Transfer eggplant to bowl and mash. Chop garlic with salt and mash to paste; mix into eggplant. Mix in yogurt. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.
Heat large nonstick skillet over high heat. Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper; add to skillet in single layer. Sprinkle with dried crushed pepper. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook lamb until tender and brown, turning occasionally and adding water by tablespoonfuls if very dry, about 45 minutes. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover lamb in skillet and chill. Rewarm over low heat.
Warm eggplant over low heat; spoon into dish. Spoon lamb and any juices over Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with pita.