Greek Fried Eggplant Aubergine Melitzanes Tiganites Recipes

CRISPY GREEK FRIED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) RECIPE

Steps:

• Prepare the eggplant by placing the slices in a strainer over a bowl, sprinkle salt and allow to sit for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your batter. Place flour into a medium sized bowl and gradually whisk in the beer until the mixture is smooth. Add dried oregano and lemon rind and season with some salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water, pat dry with paper towels. Dip eggplant slices into batter, shaking away the excess. Deep fry eggplant in batches, turning occasionally for about 5 minutes or until golden. Place the fried eggplant slices on paper towel to remove the oil excess.
• To make the Greek Dill Yogurt, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and season to taste.

GREEK FRIED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) (MELITZANES TIGANITES)

Steps:

• For Fritter Batter: Sift 1 cup plain flour and a pinch of salt into a bowl.
• Add 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon oil and 3/4 cup lukewarm water.
• Beat until smooth.
• Let stand for 10 minutes then fold in stiffly beaten egg white. Use immediately.
• Wash and dry eggplant. I place paper towels over and under the eggplant to soak up all the liquid. Just keep changing them for a while until they quit getting really wet.
• Cut into 1/4 inch slices and spread out on trays.
• Sprinkle with salt and leave for 1 hour.
• Pat dry with paper towels and coat with flour or fritter batter. I like the fritter batter.
• Shallow fry in hot oil until golden brown and crisp on each side - 10 minutes in all.
• Drain on paper towel and serve hot with Garlic Sauce (optional).