Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Smoky Tender Aubergine

The Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Smoky Tender Aubergine is a vibrant, plant-based dish that proves simple ingredients can pack a serious punch. With smoky aubergine, creamy chickpeas, pickled radishes, and toasty sesame seeds, it’s got crunch, zing, and depth—all in under 30 minutes. I made this as a light lunch and it was beautifully balanced and surprisingly filling. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 2 aubergines (about 250g each)
• 50g sesame seeds
• 200g radishes (ideally with leaves)
• 1 x 400g tin chickpeas (or half a 700g jar)
• 2 lemons

How To Cook Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Smoky Tender Aubergine

1. Blacken the Aubergines: Start by pricking your aubergines with a fork. If you have a gas hob, blacken them directly over the flame, turning regularly with tongs. Alternatively, grill them under a high heat. You’re looking for a charred exterior and a soft, smoky interior. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Toast the Sesame Seeds: Place a dry non-stick pan over high heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast, shaking or stirring often, until golden. This will only take a few minutes. Remove two-thirds for blending and set the rest aside for garnish.
3. Blend the Chickpeas: Drain your chickpeas, reserving the liquid. Add two-thirds of them to a blender with the toasted sesame seeds, juice from one lemon, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Blitz until smooth, loosening with chickpea liquid as needed. Season to taste and spread onto serving plates.
4. Pickle the Radishes: Halve the radishes and toss them with the juice of the second lemon. Sprinkle with a little sea salt. Set aside to quickly pickle—they’ll add brightness and crunch.
5. Cook the Aubergines and Chickpeas: Peel the aubergines once cool enough to handle, keeping the stalks intact. In your pan, heat a little olive oil and add the remaining chickpeas. Fry until golden and crispy. Push them to one side and add the peeled aubergines. Cook for around 5 minutes, turning occasionally until caramelized and tender.
6. Plate and Serve: Lay the warm aubergines over the chickpea purée. Scatter the crispy chickpeas and pickled radishes on top. Sprinkle over the reserved sesame seeds and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a final flourish.

Why I Love This Recipe

This dish is such a great example of how five ingredients can turn into something beautiful. The smoky aubergine brings depth, the chickpeas are both creamy and crispy, and the radishes lift everything with a sharp, peppery crunch. It’s fresh, hearty, and surprisingly satisfying for a light meal.

Recipe Tips

• Char the aubergines well: This step gives the dish its signature smoky flavor.
• Toast sesame seeds carefully: Stir often and watch closely—they can burn quickly.
• Use the chickpea liquid: It’s perfect for creating a smooth, creamy blend without thinning it too much.
• Handle aubergines gently: Peel carefully to keep the flesh intact for a nice presentation.
• Fry chickpeas until crisp: This adds a contrast in texture that makes the dish more exciting.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Smoky Tender Aubergine

• At Room Temperature: Best served immediately, while the aubergines are warm and the radishes are crisp.
• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep radishes separate to maintain their crunch.
• Reheating: Warm the aubergines and chickpeas gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with the fresh radishes on the side.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Do I need a gas hob to blacken the aubergines?
  Nope! A grill or even a hot oven will work—just make sure they’re charred and tender inside.
• What’s a good substitute for radishes?
  Try pickled onions or thinly sliced fennel for a similar zing and crunch.
• Can I use tahini instead of sesame seeds?
  Yes! Use about 2 tablespoons of tahini in the chickpea blend instead of toasting seeds.
• Is this dish vegan?
  Yes, it’s 100% plant-based and full of flavor.
• Can I make this ahead?
  You can prep the chickpea blend and pickle the radishes ahead of time. Just cook the aubergines fresh for the best texture.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 446 kcal
• Fat: 31.4g
• Saturated Fat: 5.3g
• Protein: 15.3g
• Carbohydrates: 26.3g
• Sugars: 8.1g
• Salt: 0.5g
• Fibre: 5.6g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• 5 Ingredients Aubergine Curry
• 5 Ingredients Chickpea Soup
• 5 Ingredients Tomato Bread
• 5 Ingredients Butter Beans On Toast