Crispy Fried Eggplant with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Crispy fried eggplants with a delicious garlic yogurt sauce make for a delectable appetizer or side dish. The tender eggplants, coated in a light and fluffy batter, are fried to golden perfection and paired with a refreshing garlic yogurt topping. This recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering.


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Preparation Time:

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Eggplants:
    • 4 eggplants
    • 2 liters of water
    • 1.5 tablespoons of salt
    • 2 liters of boiling water for scalding
  • Batter:
    • 2 eggs
    • 3 tablespoons of milk
    • 3 tablespoons of flour
    • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon of salt
    • Oil for frying
  • Topping:
    • 1 bowl of yogurt
    • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    • A pinch of salt
    • A pinch of parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Eggplants:
    • Cut the eggplants into rounds or strips, as preferred.
    • Bring 2 liters of water to a boil and add 1.5 tablespoons of salt. Add the eggplants to the boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
    • In another pot, boil 2 liters of water. Scald the pre-cooked eggplants by pouring the boiling water over them. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Prepare the Batter:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, and salt to make a batter.
  3. Fry the Eggplants:
    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip the eggplant pieces into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
    • Fry the eggplant pieces in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
    • In a bowl, mix the yogurt, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and chopped parsley.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the fried eggplants hot, topped with the garlic yogurt mixture.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve as an appetizer or side dish with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for garnish.
  • Pair with a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Cooking Tips:

  • Ensure the eggplants are well-drained and patted dry before dipping them in the batter to avoid excess oil splatter.
  • Maintain the oil temperature to prevent the eggplants from absorbing too much oil.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Eggplants are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Yogurt provides probiotics and calcium, which are beneficial for gut health and bone strength.

Dietary Information:

  • Gluten-Free: No (contains flour; can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour).
  • Vegetarian: Yes.
  • Vegan: No (contains eggs and milk; can be made vegan by using plant-based milk and egg substitutes, and vegan yogurt).
  • Dairy-Free: No (contains milk and yogurt; can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk and yogurt).

Storage:

  • Store any leftover fried eggplants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness before serving.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe:

  • The combination of crispy fried eggplants with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce is both satisfying and flavorful.
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining or as a quick side dish.
  • Versatile and can be customized with different herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Conclusion:

Crispy fried eggplants with garlic yogurt sauce are a delightful addition to any meal. The tender eggplants, coated in a light batter and fried to golden perfection, paired with the tangy and refreshing yogurt sauce, make for an irresistible treat. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish thatโ€™s sure to please your family and guests.