Eggplants with ham, potatoes, and spicy sauce

Eggplant Recipe with Ham, Potatoes, and Spicy Sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 2 servings

Culinary dreams come to life in this delicious recipe for eggplant with ham, potatoes, and a spicy vegetable sauce. This vibrant combination will not only delight your taste buds but also add a splash of color to your plate. It is a versatile dish, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends.

History: Eggplants have been known since ancient times, appreciated for their creamy texture and slightly bitter taste that turns sweet when cooked. Together with other vegetables, such as tomatoes and bell peppers, eggplants become the ideal ingredients to create a dish that reflects the culinary tradition of many cultures.

Ingredients:

For the eggplant:
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tomatoes
- a few slices of ham (preferably smoked)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- oil for frying

For the potatoes:
- 3 medium potatoes

For the sauce:
- 1 tomato
- 1 red bell pepper
- fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1 garlic clove
- salt, to taste
- chili (hot paprika), to preference
- ½ cup of water

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
1. Wash the eggplant, bell pepper, and tomatoes under cold running water. Remove the stems and cut all the vegetables into slices about 1 cm thick. The garlic can be sliced thinly or minced, depending on preference.

Step 2: Frying the eggplants
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Place the eggplant slices in the skillet, making sure they do not overlap. Fry for about 3 minutes or until golden.
3. Add a slice of tomato, a slice of bell pepper, and a few slices of garlic on top of each fried eggplant slice. Cover the skillet with a lid and let cook for another 3 minutes. This step will help intensify the flavors.

Step 3: Turning the eggplants
4. Use a spatula to carefully turn each slice of eggplant face down, being careful not to disrupt the arrangement. Continue frying until all the eggplants are nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Preparing the potatoes
5. Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters lengthwise. Boil them in a pot of salted water. You can let them boil for 15-20 minutes until tender. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 5: Frying the ham
6. In a separate skillet, add a little oil and fry the slices of ham until crispy. This will add a savory note to our dish.

Step 6: Preparing the spicy sauce
7. In the remaining oil in the skillet where you fried the ham, add the tomato, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Fry for a few minutes until soft.
8. Add a teaspoon of flour and mix well, then pour in ½ cup of water. Add the parsley leaves and hot paprika. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Step 7: Assembling the dish
9. On a platter, arrange the fried eggplants, boiled potatoes, and slices of ham. Pour the spicy sauce over the top and serve immediately.

Serving suggestions:
For an even more flavorful meal, you can add a salad of fresh vegetables alongside your dish. A tomato salad with basil and mozzarella would make an excellent combination, bringing a fresh and aromatic note.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the ham with bacon or add feta cheese on top of the eggplant before frying. Additionally, the sauce can be adapted by adding kalamata olives or a few drops of lemon juice for an even more intense flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ham and replace it with cheese or tofu for a delicious vegetarian dish.

2. Can I use different vegetables?
Of course! You can add zucchini or mushrooms to customize your recipe.

Nutritional benefits:
This dish is an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, thanks to the fresh vegetables. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, and potatoes provide a good source of complex carbohydrates. The ham also adds protein, while the spicy sauce enhances blood circulation.

Calories:
A serving of eggplant with ham, potatoes, and spicy sauce contains approximately 450 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of ham.

So embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every step of this recipe. Bon appétit!