Spicy Eggplant Jam with Grilled Bread

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375o F.  Slice the eggplant horizontally into 1 / 2 -inch slices. Place in a colander and salt each slice. Let stand 30 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towels.

Using 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, brush a baking sheet liberally. Brush the eggplant slices lightly with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Place the eggplant slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake, turning occasionally, until they are a light golden brown on both sides, 20 to 30 minutes.

Place the eggplant slices in a bowl and with a fork or potato masher, mash the eggplant with the garlic, paprika, cumin, water, salt, and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat.  Cook the mashed eggplant slowly, turning occasionally, until the moisture evaporates, 20 minutes. Stir the lemon juice into the eggplant jam and cook 1 minute longer. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread the warm or room temperature eggplant on the grilled bread and place on a platter.  Garnish with the parsley and lemon slices.