Crispy Moroccan Eggplant Fritters with Tzatziki
Elevate your snack game with these Crispy Moroccan Eggplant Fritters, a delightful combination of flavors and textures inspired by traditional Moroccan cuisine. These fritters are made with tender, pureed eggplant mixed with aromatic spices, fresh cilantro, and a touch of sweetness from sultana raisins. Coated in a crispy breadcrumb shell, they're perfect for lunch or as a delicious snack. Serve them hot or at room temperature alongside a cool, refreshing tzatziki for a delightful contrast that will impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggplant
1 (peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces)
large eggs
2 (beaten to blend)
dry breadcrumbs
2 cups (divided)
coarsely chopped cilantro
1 cup
sultana raisins
1/2 cup
Greek yogurt
1/2 cup
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
jalapeno chile
1/2 (minced)
tomato paste
2 teaspoons
hot paprika
1 teaspoon
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
curry powder
1/2 teaspoon
ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
ground cardamom
1 pinch
all-purpose flour
1 cup
oil (for frying)
3 inches (olive oil is preferred or vegetable oil can be used)
tzatziki
to serve (included in my recipes)
Instructions
1
Start by microwave steaming the peeled, 2-inch pieces of eggplant until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before handling.
2
In a food processor, puree the tender eggplant until smooth and creamy.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggplant puree, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup of dry breadcrumbs. Add in the chopped cilantro, sultana raisins, minced garlic, minced jalapeño, tomato paste, hot paprika, ground cumin, curry powder, ground coriander, salt, ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cardamom. Mix until well combined; the mixture will be very soft.
4
Prepare three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, a second with the beaten eggs, and a third with the remaining dry breadcrumbs.
5
Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop out the eggplant mixture and gently form it into oval patties, approximately 3 inches in length.
6
Coat each patty first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with the breadcrumbs.
7
Place the coated patties on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
8
In a large saucepan, heat approximately 3 inches of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
9
Carefully add the fritters to the hot oil in batches, cooking them for about 3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
10
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
11
These fritters can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance; simply let them stand at room temperature. Serve warm or at room temperature with a generous side of tzatziki.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable used in these Moroccan fritters?
The main ingredient is eggplant, also known as aubergine, which is peeled, steamed, and pureed.
How do I prepare the eggplant for the fritter mixture?
Peel the eggplant and cut it into 2-inch pieces. Microwave steam the pieces for 8-10 minutes until tender, allow them to cool, and then puree them in a food processor until smooth.
What spices are needed for the Moroccan flavor profile?
The spice blend includes hot paprika, ground cumin, curry powder, ground coriander, ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cardamom.
Are these eggplant fritters vegetarian?
Yes, these Crispy Moroccan Eggplant Fritters are vegetarian-friendly.
How do I ensure the fritters don't fall apart during frying?
After coating the patties in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, refrigerate them on a baking sheet for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
What should I serve with these fritters?
These fritters are best served with a cool, refreshing side of tzatziki to provide a delicious contrast to the warm, spicy fritters.
How long do I need to fry the eggplant fritters?
Fry the fritters in batches for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Olive oil is preferred for frying these fritters, although vegetable oil can also be used.
Can I make these fritters in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them up to 2 hours in advance. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
What is the three-step coating process for the patties?
Coat each patty first in all-purpose flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with dry breadcrumbs.
Do these fritters have any sweetness?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of sultana raisins which add a touch of sweetness to the aromatic spice blend.
How spicy are the Moroccan Eggplant Fritters?
They have a moderate kick provided by hot paprika and half a minced jalapeño pepper.
What herbs are used in the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro.
How large should I make each fritter?
Use a rounded tablespoon to scoop the mixture and form it into oval patties approximately 3 inches in length.
What is the texture of the eggplant mixture before breading?
The mixture will be very soft before it is dredged and refrigerated.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves for a robust flavor.
Should the eggplant be peeled?
Yes, the eggplant should be peeled before steaming and pureeing to ensure a smooth texture.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the hot fritters to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Is tomato paste used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of tomato paste are added to the eggplant mixture for depth of flavor.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe specifies dry breadcrumbs, used both inside the mixture and for the outer coating.
How deep should the oil be for frying?
Heat approximately 3 inches of oil in a large saucepan for deep frying the fritters.
How long does it take to steam the eggplant?
It takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes in the microwave for the eggplant pieces to become tender.
What are sultana raisins?
Sultanas are golden-colored dried grapes that provide a mild sweetness to the Moroccan spices in this dish.
Can I serve these for lunch?
Yes, these fritters are perfect for lunch or as a snack.
Does the recipe contain dairy?
The fritters themselves are dairy-free, but they are traditionally served with tzatziki and include Greek yogurt in the ingredient list.
What consistency should the eggplant puree be?
The eggplant should be pureed until it is smooth and creamy.
Is ground coriander used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander is included in the seasoning mix.
How many eggs are used inside the fritter mixture?
Two large eggs are whisked into the eggplant puree and breadcrumb mixture.
What should the oil temperature be for frying?
The oil should be hot but not smoking before you add the fritters.
Can I use a jalapeño with seeds?
The recipe calls for minced jalapeño; you can include or remove seeds depending on your desired spice level.