Unlock the savory potential of eggplants with this simple yet delicious recipe that turns the humble vegetable into a star side dish or appetizer. The combination of garlic, parsley, and lemon enhances the natural flavors of the eggplant, while the flour coating adds a subtle crunch. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy Mediterranean flavors and are looking for a healthy, easy-to-make addition to their meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Several cloves of garlic
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Juice of half a lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 50ml water
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into rounds or cubes, according to your preference.
- Salt Eggplant: Sprinkle the slices generously with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture and reduce bitterness.
- Dry and Flour: After 15 minutes, pat the eggplant dry with paper towels to remove excess salt and moisture. Dust the slices evenly with flour.
- Prepare Seasoning: Finely chop the garlic and parsley. In a bowl, mix these with the lemon juice, a pinch of salt, pepper, and 50ml of water to create a flavorful seasoning mixture.
- Cook Eggplant: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the flour-coated eggplant and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly browned.
- Add Seasoning Mixture: Pour the seasoning mixture over the eggplant in the pan. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the eggplant to absorb the flavors and become tender.
- Final Cook: Flip the eggplant slices and cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure they are well-cooked and infused with flavor.
- Serve: Remove the eggplant from heat once it’s tender and golden. Serve hot as a delicious side or appetizer.