Salad of Fresh Herbs and Greens with Fried Eggplant
Salad of Fresh Herbs and Greens with Fried Eggplant is a flavorful Middle Eastern Middle Eastern Recipes dish prepared with quality ingredients. Whisk shallot, vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon sumac, and cumin in small bowl.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionWhisk shallot, vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon sumac, and cumin in small bowl.
Gradually whisk in 4 tablespoons oil.
Season dressing with salt and pepper.
Combine herbs and greens in large bowl. (Dressing and salad can be made 2 hours ahead.
Cover separately and chill.).
Using vegetable peeler, remove eggplant peel in vertical strips every 1 to 1 1/2 inches, making striped pattern.
Cut eggplants crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick rounds.
Place rounds in large colander.
Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and toss to coat evenly.
Let stand until rounds soften and release moisture, tossing occasionally, about 1 hour.
Rinse rounds, 1 at a time, and press to release excess moisture.
Arrange rounds in single layer on several thicknesses of paper towels.
Pat dry with additional towels.
Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, fry eggplant until golden and soft, adding more oil by tablespoonfuls as needed, about 2 minutes per side.
Transfer eggplant to paper towels to drain.
Overlap eggplant rounds on platter.
Sprinkle with pepper and more sumac, if desired.
Toss herbs and greens with dressing; season to taste with salt and pepper.
Mound salad atop eggplant.
Garnish with nasturtium blossoms, if desired, and serve.
*A fruity and acidic seasoning powder made from ground dried sumac berries.
It is available at Middle Eastern markets and by mail from Adriana's Caravan (adrianascaravan.com).
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome non-vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.