Indulge in this delightful recipe featuring crispy fried eggplant slices paired with a creamy Cheddar yogurt dipping sauce. This dish is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite and a rich, tangy sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants (about 600g)
- 2 large eggs (or 3 medium)
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 110g flour
- 150g natural yogurt
- 80g Cheddar cheese, grated
- 170g flour for breading
- Fry oil
Directions:
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Wash the eggplants and slice them into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, beat the eggs and season with sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, place 170g of flour for breading.
- Dry the Eggplant:
- Pat dry the eggplant slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt.
- Bread the Eggplant:
- Dip each eggplant slice into the seasoned egg mixture, then coat it evenly with the flour for breading. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Eggplant:
- Heat fry oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the natural yogurt, grated Cheddar cheese, and a pinch of garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy eggplant slices hot with the Cheddar yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the crispy eggplant slices as an appetizer or snack with the Cheddar yogurt dipping sauce.
- Pair them with a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
- These eggplant slices also make a great side dish for grilled meats or fish.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to pat the eggplant slices dry thoroughly to ensure they become crispy when fried.
- Fry the eggplant in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to soggy slices.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Eggplant: Low in calories and high in fiber, eggplant is a great vegetable for supporting digestive health.
- Yogurt: Rich in protein and probiotics, yogurt supports gut health and provides essential nutrients like calcium.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a source of calcium and protein, important for bone health and muscle maintenance.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for breading.
- To reduce the fat content, you can bake the breaded eggplant slices instead of frying them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and Flavorful: The eggplant slices are perfectly crispy on the outside, with a tender and flavorful interior.
- Delicious Dipping Sauce: The creamy Cheddar yogurt sauce adds a rich and tangy complement to the crispy eggplant.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or even as part of a main course with various accompaniments.
- Nutritious: Packed with nutrients from the eggplant and yogurt, this dish is both delicious and good for you.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Conclusion:
These crispy fried eggplant slices with Cheddar yogurt sauce are a delicious and satisfying treat. Perfect for any occasion, they combine the richness of eggplant with a flavorful, tangy sauce that will leave you craving more. Enjoy this easy-to-make dish with your favorite dipping sauce or as a delightful addition to your meal. Bon Appetit!