Fried eggplants

Delicious fried aubergine recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Roasted eggplants are a tasty appetizer, a great choice to kick off a memorable meal. These versatile vegetables, with their meaty texture and delicate flavor, transform into a delicacy when roasted, becoming crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. What's more, aubergines are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy ingredient worth including in your diet. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 1 medium eggplant
- 20 g flour (preferably wheat flour)
- Salt to taste
- Frying oil (sunflower or olive oil, depending on preference)

History of fried aubergine

Eggplants have been cultivated for thousands of years and are prized in many cultures for their versatility. Roasting eggplant is a traditional method that has been used for generations, and recipes vary from family to family. Whether you find them in Mediterranean dishes or oriental dishes, roasted aubergines retain their popularity thanks to their delectable taste and ease of preparation.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Eggplant preparation:
- Start by washing the eggplant thoroughly to remove any impurities. Cut off the ends of the eggplant and slice into circles about 1 cm thick.
- Place the eggplant slices in a bowl and sprinkle salt on top. This will help remove the characteristic bitter taste of eggplant. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Removing the water:
- After they've sat with the salt, you'll notice that the eggplant has left water. Rinse the slices under running cold water to remove excess salt.
- Dry them thoroughly with an absorbent kitchen towel. This step is crucial as a wet eggplant will cause the oil to splatter during frying.

3. Frying prep:
- In a small bowl, place flour and a pinch of salt. This mixture will help the eggplant get even crispier.
- Dred the eggplant slices through the flour, making sure they are evenly coated. Shake off excess flour to avoid clumps in the oil.

4. Frying:
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet. It's important to use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan so that the eggplant slices don't stick.
- When the oil is hot (you can check this by adding a small piece of eggplant - if it bubbles, it's ready), start frying the slices.
- The heat should be medium to high to get a golden crust. Fry each slice for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.

5. Draining the oil:
- Once fried, remove the aubergines from the pan and place them on an absorbent kitchen towel to remove excess oil.
- This step will help keep the eggplant crispy and delicious.

Serving and variations

Roasted eggplants can be served warm with a delicious garlic sauce to make them stand out even more. Here's a simple garlic sauce recipe:

Garlic sauce

- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 200 g Greek yoghurt
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh apple, chopped (optional)

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and serve with roasted eggplant for a perfect contrast of flavors.

Delicious combinations

Roasted eggplant can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish with grilled meat or fish. You can also add eggplant slices to a sandwich or wrap for a hearty lunch.

FAQs

1. Why is it important to sprinkle salt on eggplant before roasting?
- Salt helps to remove the bitter taste and reduce the water content, which makes the eggplant crispier.

2. Can I use other types of flour?
- Yes, you can use rice flour or wholemeal flour for a healthier option.

3. What type of oil is best for frying?
- Sunflower oil is ideal because of its high smoke point, but you can also use olive oil for a more pronounced flavor.

4. How can I make aubergines less oily?
- You can bake them in the oven instead of frying them, brushing them with a little olive oil for a healthier version.

Nutritional benefits

Eggplants are an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion, and are rich in antioxidants such as nasunin, which protects cells from oxidative damage. They also contain B vitamins and essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Personal note

To add a touch of originality, you can try infusing the oil with aromatic herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, before frying the aubergines. This will add a subtle and refined flavor to your dish.

I hope this fried eggplant recipe will bring you joy and satisfaction in the kitchen. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy!