Looking for a savory and crispy snack? This recipe for Crispy Eggplant Patties with Minced Meat is easy to prepare and delivers delicious results every time. The crispy golden eggplant paired with a flavorful minced meat filling makes it a satisfying dish, while the tangy yogurt sauce brings everything together. Perfect as an appetizer or a hearty side dish for your next meal!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
For the Eggplant Patties:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 200 grams (½ lb) minced meat
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup yogurt
- 60 grams (2 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
- 4-5 tbsp flour (any type of flour)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- ½ cup yogurt
- 1-2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Fresh dill, chopped (to taste)
- Granulated garlic, a pinch
- Salt, to taste
Directions
Prepare the Eggplants:
- Cut the Eggplants: To prevent cutting into the edges of the eggplant, use chopsticks for support while slicing them. Cut the eggplants into rounds or slices as shown in the video.
- Salt the Eggplants: Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and leave them for 15 minutes to release moisture. This will help reduce bitterness and make them more tender.
- Dry the Eggplants: After 15 minutes, use a paper towel to blot away any excess moisture from the eggplants.
Prepare the Minced Meat Filling:
- Season the Minced Meat: In a bowl, combine the 200 grams minced meat with salt, pepper, and chopped spring onions. Mix well.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Cheese and Flour: In a mixing bowl, add ½ cup yogurt, mozzarella cheese, and 4-5 tbsp flour. Mix until you form a smooth dough-like consistency.
Assemble the Patties:
- Dip the Eggplant Slices: Take each salted and dried eggplant slice and dip it into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs. Coat each piece thoroughly.
- Fry the Eggplant: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the coated eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Make sure the heat is not too high to avoid burning.
- Cook Covered: Once the eggplant slices are golden brown, lower the heat and cover the pan. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat to ensure the inside cooks fully.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup yogurt, 1-2 tbsp mayonnaise, fresh dill, granulated garlic, and salt to taste. Mix well.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the patties are cooked, serve them with the yogurt sauce on the side. Garnish with extra fresh dill, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- With rice: Serve the crispy eggplant patties with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
- As an appetizer: These patties are perfect as an appetizer, served alongside a light salad or as part of a mezze platter.
- With pita bread: Wrap the eggplant patties and yogurt sauce in warm pita bread for a delicious sandwich.
- As a snack: Enjoy the patties with the yogurt sauce as a quick and satisfying snack any time of day.
- With a fresh vegetable salad: Pair with a refreshing salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a light and healthy side dish.
Cooking Tips
- Eggplant Preparation: Salting the eggplant slices helps to remove excess moisture, preventing sogginess while cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs like dill will add a lot of flavor to your yogurt sauce.
- Control Oil Temperature: Make sure to fry the eggplants over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy without burning.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggplants: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like B6 and potassium, eggplants support heart health and digestion.
- Minced Meat: Provides protein, iron, and other essential nutrients for muscle building and overall health.
- Yogurt: A great source of probiotics, calcium, and protein, yogurt supports digestive health and boosts the immune system.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt in the sauce.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal
- Protein: 12-15 g
- Carbs: 18-22 g
- Fat: 10-15 g
- Fiber: 3-4 g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the patties for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply bake in the oven for a few minutes until crispy.
- Yogurt Sauce: The yogurt sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crispy Eggplant Patty recipe is not only delicious but also packed with flavor. The combination of tender eggplant, savory minced meat, and the creamy yogurt sauce makes it a perfect dish for anyone who enjoys rich, comforting food with a twist. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!
Conclusion
These crispy eggplant patties are a perfect blend of crunchy, savory, and creamy flavors. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or part of a meal, the combination of eggplant, minced meat, and yogurt sauce will leave your taste buds wanting more. The recipe is simple yet delicious and can be easily customized to suit dietary needs. So why not give it a try and enjoy these flavorful patties at home?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or beef instead of minced meat.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- To make it vegan, substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free version and use plant-based meat alternatives.
- What can I serve the eggplant patties with?
- Serve with rice, pita bread, or a fresh vegetable salad for a balanced meal.
- How do I prevent the eggplants from becoming soggy?
- Salting the eggplants and letting them rest for 15 minutes before cooking helps to remove moisture and keep them crispy.
- Can I bake the eggplant patties instead of frying?
- Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Can I freeze the patties?
- Yes, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
- How long can I store leftovers?
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I add more spices to the recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like paprika, cumin, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Can I use a different flour for the coating?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs for the coating.
- Is there a way to make this recipe less oily?
- To reduce oil, try baking or air-frying the patties instead of deep frying them