BABA GHANOUSH / EGGPLANT WITH TAHINI

Ingredients:
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3 large eggplants
2-4 cloves garlic, or to taste
Salt
1/2 cup tahini or less, depending on size of eggplants
juice of 3 lemons, or more to taste
1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
2 tblsp finely chopped parsley
A few black olives or 1 tomato, thinly sliced, to garnish
Instructions:
Cook the eggplants over charcoal or under a gas or electric broiler
(sear until skins are black and start to blister with the flesh soft and
juicy, rub skins off under cold water taking care to remove any charred
particles, then gently squeeze out as much of the bitter juice as
possible).
Crush the garlic cloves with salt. Mash the eggplants with a potato
masher or fork, then add the crushed garlic and a little more salt, and
pound to a smooth, creamy puree. Alternatively, use an electric blender
to make the puree.
Add the tahini and lemon juice alternatively, beating well or blending
for a few seconds between each addition. Taste and add more salt, lemon
juice, garlic, or tahini if you think it is necessary, and if you like,
a little cumin.
Pour the cream into a bowl or a few smaller serving dishes. Garnish
with finely chopped parsley and black olives, or with a few tomato
slices. Serve as an appetizer with Arab or other bread, as a salad, or
as a party dip.