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.

PASTA WITH EGGPLANT AND ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a saucepan and add the garlic. Cook and stir without browning. Add the tomatoes, parsley, oregano, pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir to blend, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile cut off the ends of the eggplant and peel. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.
• Cut the ends off the zucchini and slice into 1-inch thick slices.
• Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet. When the oil is very hot, add the eggplant, zucchini, salt and pepper. Cook, tossing, until nicely browned and tender. Add to the tomato sauce. Mix well and cook for 15 minutes.
• Drop the pasta into salted boiling water and cook to the desired degree of doneness. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Return the pasta to the pot, add the reserved cooking liquid, the vegetable and sauce mixture, basil and Parmesan cheese. Toss and serve hot.

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.