Lunch: Michael's Roasted Eggplant and Watermelon Salad

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds

Health benefits of Michael's Roasted Eggplant and Watermelon Salad

Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production.

Ingredients

1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for greasing the grill grates
3 medium Japanese eggplants, stems removed and halved lengthwise
Kosher salt
1 small seedless watermelon, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
10 mint leaves, sliced into ribbons, plus more for serving

Instructions

For the salad: Prepare an outdoor grill or cast-iron grill pan for medium-high heat, and brush the grates heavily with canola oil. Toss the eggplant halves lightly with the canola oil and salt to taste. Place them cut-side down on the grill. Cook until lightly charred, about 6 minutes. Flip the eggplant and cook for an additional 6 minutes. The eggplant should be tender all the way through. Remove the eggplant from the grill and let cool. Carefully cut the cooled eggplant into 1-inch slices. For the vinaigrette: Place the rice wine vinegar, peanut butter, red pepper flakes, chili paste, minced garlic, roasted garlic, ginger, orange juice and shallot in a blender. Blend at high speed until the mixture is completely smooth. With the blender at medium speed, slowly pour in the canola and sesame oils. Once all the ingredients are fully incorporated, season with salt and sugar. (Makes 1 quart.) To assemble the dish, toss together the eggplant, watermelon, sesame seeds and mint in a large bowl. Fold in enough of the vinaigrette to coat the salad evenly and add salt to taste. Cover the salad and place in the fridge for at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour. Serve chilled, topped with freshly sliced mint.

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