Eggplant meatballs

Eggplant patties – a simple and delicious recipe

Total time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you're looking for a quick and tasty recipe, eggplant patties are the perfect choice. They are not only a savory appetizer but also an excellent option for a light lunch or vegetarian dinner. Eggplants are rich in nutrients and can be transformed into a delicious dish with little effort. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

- 2 medium eggplants
- 100 g breadcrumbs (you can also use whole grain breadcrumbs for a healthier option)
- 2 eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (sunflower oil or olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- Herbs (parsley or dill) for flavor

Instructions:

1. Preparing the eggplants: Start by peeling the eggplants. This can be an easy task, but make sure to remove the skin in strips to achieve a more interesting texture. Cut the eggplants into cubes of about 1 cm, then place them in a large bowl.

2. Cooking the eggplants: Place the eggplant cubes in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a lid. Cook them on high power for 10 minutes. This step will help reduce the water content and make the eggplants easier to shape. After cooking, drain them well to remove excess water.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained eggplants, chopped onion, crushed garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. If the mixture is too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs.

4. Shaping the patties: With damp hands, form patties the size of a golf ball. Make sure they are well compacted so they don't fall apart during frying.

5. Frying: Heat a pan with oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the eggplant patties, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. You can check if they are ready by flipping them with a spatula.

6. Serving: Place the patties on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve them hot, alongside a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with a garlic yogurt sauce. A squeeze of lemon over the patties will add a touch of freshness.

Useful tips:

- For a more intense flavor, you can add spices like cumin or sweet paprika to the eggplant mixture.
- If you want a healthier option, you can bake the patties in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with a little olive oil. Bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- The version with feta cheese or grated cheese in the mixture will provide an even richer taste.

Enjoy these delicious eggplant patties, which are not only easy to prepare but also perfectly adaptable to your preferences! This simple and quick recipe will surely become one of your favorites in the kitchen.