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Fried Eggplant with Green Peppers and Tomatoes

A delightful dish featuring crispy fried eggplant, vibrant green peppers, and juicy tomatoes, perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 1 large eggplant, washed, dried, and sliced into 1/2" rounds The creamy flesh becomes beautifully crispy when fried.
  • 2 large green bell peppers, washed, dried, and sliced into 1"-wide strips They add wonderful crunch and vibrant color.
  • 5-6 large slicing tomatoes, washed, dried, and sliced into 1/2" rounds Their juices create a luscious sauce.
Flavorings
  • 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped For an aromatic punch.
  • 2 tsp sumac Provides a tangy kick with earthy undertones.
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar Adds brightness to the dish.
  • kosher salt to taste To draw moisture from the eggplant and enhance flavors.
Cooking Oil
  • 1/2 cup healthy cooking oil More as needed for frying.
Optional Garnishes
  • 1/4 cup walnut hearts For added crunch and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint or parsley leaves For garnishing to bring freshness to the table.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by spreading the eggplant slices on paper towels and generously sprinkle with kosher salt. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes to sweat out any bitterness.
  2. Once done, pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
Frying the Green Peppers
  1. In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Carefully place the green pepper strips in the pan, skin side down. Fry until they become tender and the skin browns.
  3. Once done, remove from heat and let them drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a little salt and a generous amount of sumac.
Frying the Eggplant
  1. Using the same frying pan, add more oil if necessary, and fry the eggplant slices until the edges turn golden brown.
  2. Carefully flip them until golden brown on both sides, then let them drain on paper towels and sprinkle with sumac.
Cooking the Tomatoes and Garlic
  1. In the same frying pan, if needed, add a touch more oil and fry the tomato slices for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the roughly chopped garlic and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes while stirring gently.
  3. When the tomatoes are tender, turn the heat down and add white vinegar, salt to taste, and sumac.
Assembling the Dish
  1. Grab a large serving platter and start layering the fried eggplant as the base, followed by the fried green peppers, and top it off with the saucy tomatoes.
  2. Repeat layering until all vegetables are beautifully arranged. Garnish with fresh mint and walnut hearts.

Notes

For an extra crispy eggplant, allow the salt to sit on the slices longer and ensure they are properly patted dry before frying. Experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini or squash for variations.