Smoky Eggplant & White Bean Dip with Pita Crisps

Ingredients
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5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; more for the pan
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1-1/2 pounds small eggplant (2 to 3 small), trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
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3/4 teaspoon plus a generous pinch kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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2 anchovy fillets (optional)
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1 small clove garlic
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1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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3 pitas (preferably pocketless), each cut into eight wedges
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; more to taste
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, plus 1 tablespoon small leaves for garnish
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2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
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2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
Directions
1.
Position a rack 4 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and grease lightly with oil. Rub the eggplant all over with 2 tablespoons of the oil and sprinkle the flesh side with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Arrange the eggplant, flesh side down, on the baking sheet and broil until the skin is charred and the eggplant flesh is very tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
2.
Meanwhile, if using anchovies, mash them into a paste with the side of a chef's knife. Roughly chop the garlic, sprinkle it with a generous pinch of kosher salt, and mash it into a paste with the side of a chef's knife. Transfer the anchovy and garlic pastes to a food processor and add the beans, 2 tablespoons of the oil, and 1 tablespoon water. Puree until smooth.
3.
When the eggplant is done, set it aside to cool briefly. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss the pita wedges with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lower the rack so it's 6 inches from the broiler. Broil the pita wedges until golden brown on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
4.
Scrape the eggplant flesh from the skin and add the flesh to the pureed beans in the food processor, along with the lemon juice, chopped mint, and oregano. Pulse briefly to form a chunky dip. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste. Serve sprinkled with the pine nuts and mint leaves, with the toasted pita crisps on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
This is also great with crudites, especially bell peppers and fennel.
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