Roasted Eggplant Paté

Every country along the Silk Route has its own version of this eggplant paté. I grew up on the Bukharian version, which, unlike others, is flavored very simply, with garlic and salt. It was a staple starter dish at our friday night Sabbath dinners. Typically, we would spread this paté on challah bread after we recited the blessings to start the friday night meal. Broiling the eggplant imparts a pleasingly subtle, smoky flavor that eliminates the need for lots of other seasoning. This also m