This is a wonderful dish when you have a crowd of people over, it makes a great dish, if making several like a buffet style meal or it also is a great appetizer to present while you are finishing up on the main affair. I prefer to serve it like this as they are really the best, eaten straight away, whilst crunchy and hot. It also gives your guests something to pick at, while they are chatting amongst themselves before a meal. These are also great to make as a snack, to sit and munch on, on a lazy Sunday afternoon whilst watching your favourite team play (don’t forget your cold beer). I love the dip that goes with these and I feel it compliments all the flavour in the fritters very well. These are also excellent for vegetarian guests even the most strictest ones. I have had guests that can not even eat egg, these work really well as you just use egg substitute instead, I have been asked on more than one occasion for the recipe for these, so I hope you enjoy.
Ingredients
1 Large eggplant or 2 medium (about 600g), peeled, chopped
1 Cup breadcrumbs
3/4 Cup fresh coriander, roughly chopped
1/2 Cup sultanas, chopped
1/2 Cup natural yogurt
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
3 Cloves garlic, crushed
11/2 Teaspoons ground cumin
11/2 Teaspoons paprika
1 Teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 Teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 Cup plain flour
2 Eggs lightly beaten
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Yogurt Dip
1 Cup natural yogurt
2 Tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons fresh coriander, finely chopped
1 Teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 Clove garlic, crushed
Method
Yogurt Dip
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix well, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Fritters
1. Boil, steam or microwave eggplant until tender, drain, process eggplant until smooth.
2. Transfer eggplant to a bowl, add remaining ingredients, except oil. mix well.
3. Heat oil in a large pan, drop teaspoonfuls of mixture into hot oil, deep fry until browned and crisp, drain on absorbent paper.
Serve fritters on serving plate accompanied with yogurt dip.
All photos taken by me unless otherwise stated.
