Browned Eggplant with Yogurt

Browned Eggplant with Yogurt Recipe from Iraq | Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Iraq | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Browned Eggplant with Yogurt is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the rich flavors of eggplant with creamy yogurt and aromatic spices. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe has its origins in Middle Eastern cuisine, where eggplant is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The combination of eggplant and yogurt is a classic pairing that is loved for its creamy texture and savory flavor.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant (about 1.5 lb or 680 g)
0.25 cup olive oil, for oven frying eggplant
1.5 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 clove garlic, grated
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp coriander powder

How to prepare

Wash the eggplant, cut off the stem, and peel it into stripes.
Cut the eggplant crosswise into 2 parts, then cut each part lengthwise into 0.25 inch-thick pieces.
Soak the eggplant pieces in warm salted water for about 0.5 hour.
Put a heavy plate on top of the pieces to keep them submerged.
Drain the eggplant pieces.
Lightly brush the pieces with olive oil and arrange them in a cookie sheet in a single layer.
Broil them in the oven, turning once, for about 10 minutes.
Mix together yogurt, garlic, salt, cumin, and coriander.
On a large flat platter, arrange the eggplant pieces in a single layer (pieces may overlap slightly).
Spoon the yogurt mixture all over the eggplant.
Sprinkle with chili and garnish with parsley and tomato.
Serve with warm bread.
If the amount is more than you can consume in one sitting, refrigerate the eggplant pieces and yogurt in two separate containers.
Combine and garnish just before serving.

Variations

Add roasted red peppers or olives for extra flavor.
Top with toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Use Greek yogurt for a thicker and creamier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the eggplant in salted water before cooking to remove any bitterness.

- Broiling the eggplant helps to give it a nice charred flavor and texture.

- Be sure to use plain low-fat yogurt for a healthier option.

- Garnish with fresh herbs and spices for added flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Browned Eggplant with Yogurt with warm bread or pita for a complete meal. It can also be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the eggplant helps to give it a nice charred flavor and texture. Mixing the yogurt with garlic and spices adds a creamy and flavorful element to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use full-fat yogurt instead of low-fat yogurt for a richer dish. You can also use different spices or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the eggplant and yogurt mixture ahead of time and assemble just before serving. Store the components separately in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the eggplant slices on a platter and drizzle the yogurt mixture on top. Garnish with fresh herbs, chili flakes, and sliced tomatoes for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Browned Eggplant with Yogurt with a side of tabbouleh salad or hummus for a complete Middle Eastern meal. Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in separate containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the eggplant in the oven or microwave and assemble with the yogurt mixture before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Browned Eggplant with Yogurt contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Browned Eggplant with Yogurt contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Browned Eggplant with Yogurt contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Browned Eggplant with Yogurt contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Browned Eggplant with Yogurt is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Browned Eggplant with Yogurt is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With its creamy yogurt topping and charred eggplant slices, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Browned Eggplant with Yogurt. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always admired her culinary skills. As soon as I walked in, a mesmerizing aroma greeted me, and I knew we were in for a special treat.

Maria was bustling around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring pots on the stove. I watched in awe as she expertly sliced the eggplants and browned them to perfection. The smell of the sizzling eggplants filled the air, making my mouth water with anticipation. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I couldn't wait to learn how to make it myself.

As Maria finished cooking, she plated the dish and drizzled a generous amount of creamy yogurt on top. The contrast of the crispy eggplants and the tangy yogurt was a match made in heaven. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with delight. It was a flavor combination unlike anything I had ever experienced, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I immediately asked Maria for the recipe, and with a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a tattered piece of paper with the instructions written in her elegant handwriting. She explained each step in detail, sharing tips and tricks she had learned over the years. I was grateful for her guidance and eager to try my hand at making Browned Eggplant with Yogurt.

Over the next few days, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen. I followed Maria's instructions carefully, slicing the eggplants and browning them in a hot skillet. The smell of the cooking eggplants filled the air, just like it had in Maria's kitchen. I felt a sense of nostalgia and warmth as I recreated the dish that had captivated me so.

As I plated the Browned Eggplant with Yogurt and drizzled the creamy yogurt on top, I couldn't help but smile with pride. The dish looked just like Maria's, and I knew it would taste just as delicious. I took a bite, and it was like I was transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen. The flavors were perfect, the textures were spot on, and I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me.

From that moment on, Browned Eggplant with Yogurt became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I made the dish, I thought of Maria and the wonderful memories we shared in her kitchen.

As the years went by, I continued to refine my recipe for Browned Eggplant with Yogurt, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to make it truly my own. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation. And every time I make it, I think of Maria and the special bond we forged over a shared love of cooking.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a unique and flavorful dish, try making Browned Eggplant with Yogurt. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it will become a favorite in your kitchen as well. Happy cooking!