We’re in Week 3 of August, and I have to say that I have LOVED all of this month’s choices for French Fridays with Dorie. So far, we made Slow-Roasted Tomatoes and Salmon and Potatoes in a Jar. This week’s recipe for Eggplant Caviar was no exception.

Eggplant is perfectly in season, along with tomatoes and fresh herbs, so the ingredients couldn’t have been better. I roasted the eggplant until it was mushy, than combined it with the various flavorings: lemon (juice and zest), minced garlic, chopped onion, fresh thyme, basil, and cilantro, and the usual salt and pepper to taste. The recipe called for a pinch of piment d’espelette or cayenne. I added a generous pinch of smoked paprika instead, giving it a hint of smoke instead of a tinge of heat. I’m not sure whether it was the right substitution, but I liked the end result. Finally, diced, seeded tomatoes are folded into the concoction, adding a bit more color.

I adore eggplant. I find that people have strong feelings one way or the other about eggplant. I know it’s a generalization, but most people I know that dislike eggplant are men. My dear husband is included in that number, but he is far from the only one.

I made just half the recipe and brought it to work to share with a friend. I also brought whole-wheat pita breads, and we made ourselves sandwiches. I added sliced radishes and cucumbers to the sandwich for some crunch.

Mashed eggplant is definitely not one of the most photogenic of foods. However, it tasted delicious. This would also be great with pita chips for an appetizer or snack. (Have you ever tried Stacy’s? I’m a big fan, especially of the Simply Naked.)

You can find out what other FFwD bloggers thought about this week’s recipe. Check out their links at French Fridays with Dorie. We don’t post the recipes, but consider getting your own copy of the book, Dorie Greenspan’s Around My French Table.

The final FFwD recipe for August is a fancy French hamburger, so tune in next Friday for a full report.