Char the eggplants either directly on your gas stove, in the flame of a gas or charcoal grill, or on the top shelf of your broiler. Turn every few minutes so that the entire eggplant is charred. Remove when skin is black and crackly.

Allow charred eggplants to cool. Then remove as much of the skin  as you can – it's okay if there's some left. Place eggplant flesh in a mesh strainer or colander and drain for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, roast the garlic if you'd like. Place the unpeeled cloves in a dry pan on medium heat, rotating every few minutes. When they looked charred (though not as much as the eggplants did), remove, allow to cool, peel, and then mince.

Mince the drained eggplant flesh and combine in a bowl with tahini, lemon juice, the garlic, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and adjust the seasonings to taste. Right before serving add olive oil and top with smoked paprika or parsley. Serve with good pita.