Eggplant Salad with Cumin and Fresh Herbs

Preheat the oven to 500°. Put the eggplants on a large rimmed baking sheet and prick them in a few places with a knife. Bake in the upper third of the oven for about 1 hour, or until blackened and soft. Scoop the flesh out of the skins, discard most of the seeds and finely chop the flesh. Drain in a colander, pressing lightly to extract as much moisture as possible.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet. Add the tomatoes, garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy, about 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the eggplants, tomato sauce, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, cumin, paprika and cayenne and season with salt. Spread the eggplant salad on a large serving plate. Scatter the olives on top and serve.