Mediterranean Garlic Eggplant Delight
Discover the aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean with this stunning dish of fried eggplants topped with a rich garlic sauce. Inspired by a recipe from 'Khaleej Times,' this delightful appetizer is sure to impress your guests. The creamy garlic sauce, enhanced by the richness of ground almonds and a splash of vinegar, perfectly complements the crispy eggplant slices. Serve this as a starter at any gathering, or enjoy it on its own as a savory snack. This dish is not only delicious but also offers a burst of flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 medium (Cut into 1/4-inch thick round slices)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Olive Oil
as needed (for shallow frying)
Garlic Cloves
5 (peeled and cut in half)
White Vinegar
1/4 cup (for soaking garlic)
Ground Almonds
4 tablespoons (for adding to the garlic sauce)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (for mixing into the sauce)
Lemon Juice
1 1/2 tablespoons (to add flavor)
White Bread
2 slices (soaked and crumbled)
Fresh Mint
2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by sprinkling salt over the sliced eggplants and set them aside for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a towel.
2
While the eggplants rest, prepare the garlic sauce. Cut each garlic clove in half and soak in white vinegar for 8-10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
3
In a bowl, soak the slices of white bread in water for a few minutes, then squeeze out all excess liquid. Crumble the bread into small pieces and set aside.
4
Once the garlic has soaked, remove the pieces from the vinegar and pound them with a pinch of salt using a mortar and pestle or a food processor until a paste forms.
5
Gradually incorporate the crumbled bread into the garlic paste, alternating bites with a little vinegar until you reach a smooth consistency.
6
Mix in the ground almonds, olive oil, remaining vinegar, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Beat until you achieve a thick, creamy garlic sauce.
7
In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the eggplant slices and shallow fry them until golden brown on both sides. Remove them and drain on paper towels.
8
On a serving platter, layer the fried eggplant slices and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each slice.
9
Finally, garnish the dish with chopped fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Garlic Eggplant Delight?
It is a savory Mediterranean appetizer featuring fried eggplant slices topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce made with ground almonds, vinegar, and olive oil.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients like eggplant, almonds, and olive oil.
How should I prepare the eggplants for frying?
The eggplants should be cut into 1/4-inch thick round slices, sprinkled with salt, and left to sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture.
Why do I need to salt the eggplants before cooking?
Salting the eggplants helps draw out excess moisture and reduces bitterness, ensuring a better texture when fried.
What ingredients are in the creamy garlic sauce?
The sauce is composed of garlic cloves, white vinegar, soaked white bread, ground almonds, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
How long should I soak the garlic in vinegar?
The garlic cloves should be cut in half and soaked in white vinegar for 8 to 10 minutes to mellow their intense flavor.
What role does white bread play in the garlic sauce?
Soaked and crumbled white bread acts as a thickening agent, helping the sauce achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Can I use a food processor for the garlic paste?
Yes, you can use either a mortar and pestle or a food processor to pound the soaked garlic and salt into a smooth paste.
What type of nuts are used in this eggplant dish?
This recipe specifically calls for 4 tablespoons of ground almonds to add richness and texture to the garlic sauce.
How is the eggplant cooked?
The eggplant slices are shallow fried in olive oil over medium heat until they reach a golden brown color on both sides.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
The dish is finished with a garnish of 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
While typically served as a fresh appetizer, the fried eggplants can be served warm or at room temperature with the sauce spooned over them.
How much olive oil is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil to be beaten into the garlic sauce to achieve its thick, creamy texture.
Can I make this dish vegan?
The recipe is already naturally vegan as long as the white bread used does not contain dairy or honey.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This Mediterranean recipe is inspired by a culinary feature from the 'Khaleej Times'.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 5 peeled garlic cloves, which are cut in half before being soaked and processed.
How many eggplants do I need?
You will need 2 medium-sized eggplants for this recipe.
What kind of vinegar is best for the garlic soak?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of white vinegar for soaking the garlic and balancing the sauce.
Should the bread be toasted?
No, the 2 slices of white bread should be soaked in water and then squeezed dry to be crumbled into the sauce.
How much lemon juice is added to the sauce?
1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice are added to the sauce to provide a bright, citrusy flavor.
What should I do after frying the eggplant?
Remove the slices from the pan and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess frying oil.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Layer the fried eggplant slices on a serving platter and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each individual slice.
Can this be eaten as a snack?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a starter at a gathering or enjoyed as a savory snack on its own.
What is the texture of the garlic sauce?
The sauce should be thick, smooth, and creamy, achieved by alternating bread and vinegar and then beating in the oil and almonds.
How long does it take for the salted eggplant to rest?
The sliced eggplants should rest for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before you pat them dry for frying.
Is there a specific way to cut the eggplant?
Yes, it is recommended to cut the eggplants into round slices that are 1/4-inch thick.
Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Yes, almond flour is a suitable substitute for ground almonds and will provide the same richness to the sauce.
What cuisine style is this dish?
This dish is categorized under Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Does the sauce contain salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste while mixing the almonds, oil, and vinegar to ensure the sauce is properly seasoned.
What type of frying is used for the eggplants?
The recipe uses shallow frying in olive oil rather than deep frying.