Step 1

Preheat oven to 400F/200C.

Step 2

Halve the eggplant lengthwise, then score each side without cutting through to the skin in a criss-cross pattern around 1in/2.5cm apart. Put on a baking sheet, cut side up.

Step 3

Brush both cut sides generously with olive oil - use the full amount above - then sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake/roast. They should take around 40 minutes to become soft and tender inside and just starting to brown on top.

Step 4

While the eggplant is roasting, mix together the dressing. Put the tahini, lemon juice and garlic in a small jar and shake together. Add some water and shake again, adding a little more if needed to get a good pourable consistency.

Step 5

Gently toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet/frying pan or under the broiler/grill, watching them closely so they don't burn and set aside.

Step 6

When the eggplant is ready, drizzle with the tahini dressing (shake it again before using if it was a little while before), drizzle over a little date syrup/honey and the toasted pine nuts. This is probably best served warm but also good at room temperature.