Vegetarian Eggplant and Pita Bread Appetizer for Your New Year's Eve Party

This vegetarian (and vegan) eggplant appetizer recipe is great for any occasion. Serve it up at your next party and it's sure to be a major hit. It takes 45 minutes of cooking time and 20 minutes to prepare. I promise the time and energy you put into it is worth it though. Your taste buds will cheer the moment this appetizer hits your lips!

First, gather these ingredients:

2 large eggplants

1 large ripe tomato (finely chopped)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove (finely chopped)

1 tsp. cumin seeds

1 Tbs. sesame seeds

1/2 tsp. spicy paprika

Salt to taste

Parsley to garnish

4 pieces of pita/flat bread

Once you've gathered everything, here's what you need to do. I'll divide it into easy, numbered steps.

1. First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place your whole eggplants in a baking pan and bake in the oven until the skins are black and the insides are soft (about 45 minutes).

3. Take the eggplants out and let them cool down. While you're waiting, you can do this:

4. In a small-medium sized bowl, combine your chopped tomatoes with 2 Tbs. olive oil and salt.

5. Sautee your chopped garlic in a frying pan with 1 Tbs. oil over medium heat (about 3 minutes, or until golden brown).

6. Next, cut your eggplant in half and scoop out the fleshy part into a food processor. Add your sautéed garlic, leftover oil, a pinch of salt and then blend until you have a nice puree/pate.

7. Remove the puree and place on a nice serving plate. You can use your fork to create a decorative finish if you want!

8. Garnish with your tomatoes and sprigs of parsley. Then sprinkle your cumin and sesame seeds and paprika on top.

9. Cut your pita/flat bread into small triangles and arrange on a baking sheet. Back until they are warmed and slightly crispy (about 10 minutes). Arrange the bread around the eggplant pate and you're all set!

This dish tastes best when it's warm. I promise you'll get rave reviews! And though it may seem to be a lot of work, the steps are quite easy and you'll feel like a professional chef when all is baked and eaten!