Roasted Eggplant, Tomato, Garlic and White Bean Spread

You have to love Penzey's!

This is a great dip or sandwich spread instead of hummus.

1 medium eggplant, cute into thick chunks, peeled (I didn't peel mine. I also had a small eggplant so I also put in a zucchini.)
1 head fresh garlic, each clove individually peeled
5-6 tomatoes on the vine, quartered and seeds removed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3T. balsamic vinegar
1/2 t Kosher salt (optional)
1/3 freshly ground pepper
2 T Tuscan Sunset (I added basil and oregano instead)
1 16oz can white beans
1 t. ground Chipotle pepper
1/2 t Mexican oregano (I put regular oregano in)
2 lemon juice (juice of 1/2 lemon)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the vegetables in a shallow baking dish. Add the oil, vinegar, salt, if using, and pepper to taste and the Tuscan Sunset. Toss well to coat. Carefully spread into a single layer and place the pan in the oven. Roast for 45 minutes. (You can let the mixture rest overnight in the fridge to cool or try to let it cool before putting the the food processor.)

Rinse and drain the white beans in a colander and place in a blender with two cups of the roasted vegetable mixture. The vegetables should have exuded quite a bit of liquid so make sure to include SOME of the liquid in he two cups. Blend the beans and vegetables. Add the Chipotle pepper and oregano and the juice from the lemon. Blend well and pour into a bowl. Serve with any firm cracker.

Nutritional Information:
Servings 12; Serving Size 1/2 cup; Calories 80; Calories from fat 45; total fat 5g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 0 mg; Carbohydrate 8g; Dietary Fiber 2g; Protein 2g