Whole Grilled Eggplant with Rice Pilaf

Step 1

For Eggplant and Rice Pilaf: Prepare grill for direct- and indirect-heat cooking. Rub eggplants with oil to lightly coat. Grill over direct heat, turning a few times, until charred all over, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to indirect heat and continue cooking, maintaining a temperature of 400°F, until collapsed and very soft, 18 to 22 minutes more.

Step 2

Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add rice and onion; cook, stirring frequently, until they start to turn translucent, 3 to 4 minutes more. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and broth. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Let stand, covered, 10 minutes. Uncover; fluff with a fork.

Step 3

For Tahini Sauce: While rice is cooking, sprinkle garlic with a pinch of salt; mash into a paste with the side of a knife. Transfer to a bowl; add tahini, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water. Whisk until smooth; season with salt. Stir in more water if needed, a little at a time, until mixture is thin enough to drizzle. (Sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.)

Step 4

Stir together pomegranate molasses and cinnamon. Slash open eggplants; drizzle with molasses mixture and a few tablespoons tahini sauce. Top pilaf with pistachios, parsley, and za'atar. Scoop flesh from eggplants, spoon over pilaf, and serve with more tahini sauce.