Step 1

Start by preheating the oven to 425F.

Step 2

Dice your eggplants and spread them on a baking dish.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the avocado oil, tamari, toasted sesame oil, za’atar, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir to combine and pour the mixture over the eggplant. Toss to cover evenly and roast for about 45-50 minutes or until soft. Toss 2-3 times throughout roasting. I also added about ¼ cup of water at the 30-minute mark to steam the eggplant a little, and to avoid it burning.

Step 4

While that’s roasting, cook the lentils. Rinse the lentils and add them to a pot with cold water, bay leaf, and kombu (if using) and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook until soft. Brown lentils cook 20-25 minutes, green lentils 18-20 minutes (shorter if soaked). Drain and set aside.

Step 5

To make the dressing, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, tamari, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, crushed red pepper flakes, za’atar spice, and stir well to combine.

Step 6

When ready, combine everything but the dressing in a big bowl and toss to combine or divide between plates. Drizzle with the dressing right before serving.