Roasted Vegetable Pitas

Directions

After roasting the peppers, position the oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler heating element.

Pierce the eggplant several places with a fork; place it on a baking sheet.

Turning once as it cooks, broil the eggplant for about 15 minutes, or until it is very tender when pierced with a fork.

Set it aside to cool.

Move the oven rack to the center of the oven; preheat the oven to 350℉ (180℃).

Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ⅛ teaspoon of the salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Adjust the seasonings to taste.

When the eggplant has cooled, peel it and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Toss the eggplant, cilantro, and lemon juice mixture in a medium bowl.

Set aside.

Cut the peeled roasted red bell peppers lengthwise into ¼ inch-wide strips.

Set aside.

Combine the soybeans, cumin, and remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt in a small bowl.

Just before serving, wrap the pita breads in foil; place directly on the oven rack for about 5 minutes, or until softened.

(Or put the unwrapped pitas in the microwave on high for about 45 seconds).

Use a serrated knife to cut each pita in half horizontally.

Place the 4 pita bread halves, rough sides up, on large salad plates.

Evenly spread each pita round with the eggplant mixture: top with bell pepper strips and mounds of the bean mixture.

Add a dollop of yogurt to each pita; sprinkle with the scallions and pepper.

ADVANCE PREPARATION: The eggplant and bell peppers can be roasted early the day they are to be served; cover and refrigerate.

The eggplant-cilantro and soybean-cumin mixtures can be combined several hours before serving; cover and refrigerate.

Bring everything to room temperature and assemble just before serving.