Albanian Fried Eggplant And Zucchini Recipes

ALBANIAN FRIED EGGPLANT AND ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Generously salt the eggplant and zucchini, let sit for about 1 hour and let drain in a colander.
• Meanwhile, mix together the yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, garlic and salt to taste, Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Rinse off the salt and squeeze the eggplant of any excess liquid
• Pat dry
• In a bowl mix together about ½ cup of flour and 6-8 tablespoons of water, you want a smooth consistency, add additional water as necessary.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan with just enough oil to coat the bottom, to medium high.
• Pass the zucchini and eggplant through the flour mixture on both sides and place in the hot oil.
• Fry on both sides until golden brown.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
• Serve warm with prepared cucumber sauce.

OVEN FRIED EGGPLANT OR AND ZUCCHINI PARMESAN

Steps:

• SAUCE: Coat bottom of a large pot with olive oil.
• Add onions, celery, and garlic and saute until tender about 5 minutes.
• Stir in canned tomatoes, paste, spices and wine. (optional)Taste of sauce is bitter you can add 1 teaspoon sugar.
• Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
• Stir and stir and stir.
• EGGPLANT: In a gallon size zip-lock bag place flour, salt and pepper seal give a shake then add eggplant to coat.
• Mix eggs and buttermilk in bowl.
• Dip slices of dusted eggplant into egg mixture.
• In the same bag with the left over flour add seasoned breadcrumbs to it.
• Then dip eggplant into bag of seasoned breadcrumbs to coat them.
• Place breaded eggplant onto oil sprayed cookie sheets and bake in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes on each side.
• Cheese mixture: mix all together.
• Assemble casserole: Place some sauce on bottom of pan, follow with eggplant, then cheese, then sauce layering till all is used.
• Top with extra grated cheese.
• Bake in oven at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.
• Serve with crisp Italian Bread and green salad.