Eggplant Fritters with Yogurt-Mayo Sauce

Eggplant Fritters with Yogurt-Mayo Sauce

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

• 1 medium-sized eggplant (approximately 350 g)
• 1/2 sweet pepper (approximately 75 g)
• 1/2 medium-sized onion (approximately 60 g)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons flour (30 g)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Oil (for frying)

For the Yogurt-Mayo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup yogurt (120 g)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (30 g)
• 1 teaspoon spicy sauce (5 g)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Dice the Eggplant: Start by cutting the eggplant into small, even cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly and become tender inside the fritters.
2. Chop the Sweet Pepper and Onion: Finely chop the sweet pepper and onion. These add a burst of color and flavor to the fritters, complementing the richness of the eggplant.

Cook the Vegetables:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the diced eggplant, chopped sweet pepper, and onion to the skillet.
2. Cook Until Soft: Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and lightly browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the vegetables to cool slightly before adding them to the batter.

Prepare the Batter:

1. Beat the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until smooth.
2. Add the Flour: Gradually whisk in the flour, mixing until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Combine with Vegetables: Add the sautéed vegetables to the batter, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The batter should be thick enough to hold together when dropped into the pan.

Fry the Fritters:

1. Heat the Oil: Pour a generous amount of oil into a non-stick frying pan and heat it over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles immediately upon contact.
2. Fry the Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the vegetable batter into the hot oil, flattening each fritter slightly with the back of a spoon to ensure even cooking. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain the Fritters: Once the fritters are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.

Prepare the Yogurt-Mayo Sauce:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, and spicy sauce. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of spicy sauce if you prefer more heat. You can also add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Serve:

1. Plate the Fritters: Arrange the eggplant fritters on a serving platter. They can be served hot or at room temperature.
2. Serve with Sauce: Place the Yogurt-Mayo Sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping. The cool, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy, savory fritters.
3. Enjoy: These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be reheated in the oven if needed.

Tips for Success

• Salting Eggplant: If you have time, consider salting the diced eggplant and letting it sit for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This draws out excess moisture and can help reduce any bitterness.
• Consistent Sizing: Make sure to cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture. If the oil is too cool, the fritters may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Spicy Sauce Variations: Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce or even a bit of crushed red pepper in the sauce for an extra kick.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 4 servings)
• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 6g

Conclusion

These Eggplant Fritters with Yogurt-Mayo Sauce are a delightful way to enjoy eggplant. The combination of crispy fritters and creamy, tangy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal, these fritters are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them fresh from the pan with the cool yogurt-mayo sauce, and savor every bite!