Aubergine braai kebabs with onion salsa

vegan braai kebabs

Ingredients

  • 3 aubergines, sliced lengthways into ½cm slices
  • 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp aleppo pepper flakes, (see cook’s notes)
  • 6 tbsp olive oil

CHARRED ONION SALSA

  • 4 medium onions, sliced into thick rounds
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tbsp mint leaves, finely shredded
  • ½ tbsp dried chilli flakes
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

TO SERVE

  • couscous mixed with soft herbs, (such as mint and coriander)
  • greek yogurt, seasoned with salt

Method

  • STEP 1

    Light the barbecue. Meanwhile, sprinkle the aubergine slices on both sides with 1 tbsp of salt. Allow to drain in a colander or sieve for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

  • STEP 2

    To make the salsa, put the onion slices over direct heat on the barbecue (skewering them first will make them more stable) and cook for 8 minutes or until lightly charred on both sides. Finely chop and mix with the other salsa ingredients, plus some salt and pepper. Set aside.

  • STEP 3

    Combine the molasses, cumin, cinnamon, aleppo pepper, sumac and olive oil, and mix to a paste. Brush evenly over the aubergine slices and thread them, concertina style, onto six skewers, packing them quite tightly.

  • STEP 4

    Cook on the barbecue for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until soft and lightly charred. Serve with the onion salsa, herby couscous and yogurt.