Smoky Eggplant Soup / Spring Pilaf

Make your iftar healthy this Ramadan!
 Today is the 14th day of Ramadan. Here are two delicious dishes you can prepare for iftar — one soup and one pilaf.

Smoky Eggplant Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 eggplants
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1.5 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• 5 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• A small amount of dill

Preparation:

1. Roast the eggplants.
2. Melt the butter in a soup pot and lightly sauté the flour.
3. Dice the roasted eggplants, add them to the flour mixture, then add crushed garlic.
4. Gradually add water, bring to a gentle boil, then add milk and stir.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with chopped dill if desired, and serve hot.

Spring Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cups rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 carrot
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 small bowl chopped dill
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Soak the rice in water to release its starch, then drain.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a pot. Peel and dice the carrot into small cubes, then sauté. Make sure to cut finely so it cooks evenly with the rice.
3. Add the rice, sauté for a few minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Add green peas and water, cover, and cook over low heat until the water is absorbed.
5. Once done, turn off the heat, stir in chopped dill, cover again, and let rest for about 20 minutes. Serve warm.