Fried Eggplant Recipe With Green Peppers And Tomatoes

FRIED EGGPLANT RECIPE WITH GREEN PEPPERS AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Spread eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to sweat out any bitterness. Pat dry when ready.
• Heat the oil on medium-high heat (be sure the oil is shimmering but not smoking). Start by frying green peppers, skin side down, until tender and skin turns brown. (Do this carefully and use a splatter screen as recommended.) Remove from heat and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with a little salt and a generous sprinkle of sumac.
• In the same frying pan, now fry the eggplant. Do this very carefully (use tongs to keep your distance and a splatter screen to cover the pan or skillet). Oil should still be hot or else eggplant will absorb way too much of it. When edges of one side turn golden brown, flip over. When eggplant turns golden brown on both sides, remove from heat and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle generously with sumac.
• If needed, add a little bit of oil to your frying pan. Now, fry the tomatoes for two minutes then add the garlic. Cook another 4 to 5 minutes, tossing gently. Turn the heat down and add 2 tbsp of vinegar, salt, and a generous pinch of sumac. When the tomatoes are tender, releasing juices and turning bright orange in color, turn the heat off.
• Assemble the fried eggplant dish. Grab a large serving platter, layer a bit of the eggplant at the bottom, then add green peppers, then the saucy tomatoes on top. Repeat as needed till you have all the veggies on your platter. Garnish with fresh mint and walnut hearts.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of pita or Lebanese rice.

GRILLED EGGPLANT AND ROASTED PEPPER SALAD

Steps:

• Dust eggplant liberally with 2 tablespoons salt and place in a colander to sweat out bitter flavor, 30 to 60 minutes.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Rinse eggplant slices to remove salt. Pat dry.
• Combine olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Brush mixture on both sides of every eggplant slice.
• Cook the eggplant on the preheated grill until soft and moist, about 6 minutes per side. Remove eggplant from the heat and set aside until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Chop into 1-inch cubes.
• Combine eggplant, red peppers, feta cheese, olives, parsley, vinegar, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Try not to overmix because this mashes up the eggplant. Serve as-is.