Moroccan Eggplant Aubergine Fritters Recipes

MOROCCAN EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) FRITTERS

Steps:

• Microwave eggplant until tender.
• Transfer to processor and puree.
• Whisk puree with 2 eggs, 1 cup breadcrumbs and all ingredients up to and including cardamon (mixture will be very soft).
• Place 1 rounded tablespoonful of mixture into flour and turn to coat.
• Dip into beaten eggs, then in remaining 1 cup breadcrumbs to coat.
• Flatten between palms of hands forming 3 inch oval patties.
• Transfer to baking sheet.
• Repeat, using up all of eggplant mixture.
• Heat 3 inches of oil (olive oil is best but vegetable oil can be substituted) in large saucepan until hot.
• Add patties and cook until golden-brown, about 3 minutes per side.
• Transfer to paper towels to drain.
• (may be prepared 2 hours ahead, let stand at room temperature) Serve hot or at room temperature with tzatziki.

MOROCCAN STUFFED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200°C.
• Using a small knife and a spoon, carefully remove the flesh from the eggplant halves without breaking the skin, and chop the flesh coarsely.
• Place the eggplant halves onto a baking tray, cut side up, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil and bake for 10-15 minutes, until tender.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan, over a medium heat, and sauté the eggplant flesh for 3-5 minutes, until it is golden and tender; remove from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, heat the remaining oil over a high heat and sauté the onion and garlic for 1 minute, then add the ground meat and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it is well browned, breaking up the lumps as it browns with the back of a spoon.
• Return the eggplant to the pan, add the Moroccan seasoning and cook, stirring, for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the tomato, pine nuts and sugar and season to taste.
• Fill the eggplant halves with the meat mixture and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and tender.
• Serve with the tomato and cucumber salad and fresh crusty bread.
• Tomato and Cucumber Salad: Chop the cucumber and toss the cucumber pieces and halved cherry tomatoes with the olive oil and red wine vinegar and season to taste.

MOROCCAN EGGPLANT DIP

Steps:

• Mix tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, cumin, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a small bowl.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook and stir until golden, about 2 minutes. Add eggplant and red bell pepper; pour in tomato sauce mixture. Simmer, covered, until eggplant and red bell pepper soften, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer eggplant mixture to a food processor; pulse until it reaches the desired consistency. Sprinkle cilantro over dip.