3 middle pilaf Recipes

eggplants (aubergines, 1 lb in all), salt, onion, olive oil (be sure to use a good 1!), tomatoes, peeled and chopped, salt, fresh ground black pepper, parsley, chopped, fresh mint, chopped, basmati rice, chicken stock, paper towels, yogurt , for serving (or cucumber salad with (middle east, palestine) which is even better)

grain (not parboiled) rice, olive oil, onion, chopped, carrots, peeled and diced, garlic, crushed, a 1-in. piece fresh ginger, grated or 1 scant tsp. powdered, cinnamon stick, water (if not making for vegetarians, use chicken or beef broth), salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste, golden raisins , or dark if that s all you have, almonds, toasted