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.
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:
- 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.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, and salt to make a batter.
- 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.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and chopped parsley.
- 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 You’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 that’s sure to please your family and guests.