Better Than Fried Eggplant! Delicious and Simple Dinner Recipe

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 22 July 2024

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Have you ever discovered a recipe that changes the way you think about a simple ingredient? This Better Than Fried Eggplant! Delicious and Simple Dinner Recipe is here to prove that eggplants can be the star of a satisfying, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish. Layered with crispy eggplant slices, savory chicken, and a creamy tomato-pepper sauce, this dish will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe offers an approachable yet delicious option for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elevated Comfort Food: Combining crispy eggplants, juicy chicken, and a velvety sauce, this dish offers rich, layered flavors.
Easy to Follow: The straightforward steps and common ingredients make this recipe perfect for beginners.
Versatile and Impressive: Serve it as a main dish for dinner parties or a hearty family meal.
Nutrient-Rich: Eggplants and tomatoes bring fiber and vitamins, while chicken provides lean protein.
Customizable: Add your own twist with different spices or fresh herbs to make it your own.

Ingredients for Better Than Fried Eggplant

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need for this amazing dish:

Category	Ingredient	Quantity
For the Eggplants	Eggplants	2
	Salt	To taste
	Apple cider vinegar	2-3 tbsp
	Cold water	1 liter
	Vegetable oil	For frying
For the Chicken	Chicken breast, cut into pieces	500 g
	Dry garlic	To taste
	Ground black pepper	To taste
	Seasoning for chicken	To taste
	Soy sauce	30-40 ml
	Mayonnaise	1 tbsp
For the Sauce	Chopped tomatoes and sweet peppers	600 g
	Sugar (incomplete tsp)	1 tsp
	Salt	A little
	Flour	2 tsp
	Water	100-150 ml
	Dried parsley	To taste
	Cream cheese	As needed

Step-by-Step Instructions for Better Than Fried Eggplant

1. Prepare the Eggplants

Soak the Eggplants

Rinse the eggplants under cold water to remove dirt.
Slice them into rounds or pieces, depending on your preference.
In a large bowl, mix 1 liter of cold water with 2-3 tbsp apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt.
Soak the eggplant slices in the vinegar solution for 20-30 minutes to remove any bitterness.

Dry and Fry the Eggplants

After soaking, drain the eggplants and pat them dry with paper towels.
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine 500 g of chicken breast pieces with dry garlic, ground black pepper, and seasoning for chicken.
Add 30-40 ml soy sauce and 1 tbsp mayonnaise, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

Cook the Vegetables

In a saucepan, combine 600 g chopped tomatoes and sweet peppers.
Add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture softens and becomes a sauce-like consistency.

Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tsp flour in 100-150 ml water. Gradually add this to the tomato mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add dried parsley and continue to simmer the sauce until it thickens.
Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt into the sauce for a creamy finish.

4. Assemble the Dish

In a serving dish or casserole, create a base layer with the fried eggplant slices.
Top with the cooked chicken pieces.
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and eggplants, ensuring everything is coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the dish with additional dried parsley, if desired.
Serve warm alongside rice, pasta, or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The crispy eggplant, tender chicken, and creamy tomato sauce combine to create a dish full of depth and richness.
No Oven Required: This dish is entirely cooked on the stovetop, making it quick and easy for busy nights.
Customizable: Add chili flakes for spice, or swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version.
Elegant Presentation: The layered ingredients look just as impressive as they taste.
Healthy and Satisfying: Eggplants and tomatoes bring vitamins and antioxidants, while chicken adds lean protein.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320-350 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fats	15 g
Fiber	5 g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredient brands used.

Tips for the Best Results

Choose Fresh Eggplants: Firm and shiny eggplants without soft spots work best for this dish.
Don’t Skip Soaking: The vinegar-water soak removes bitterness and ensures a better flavor.
Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh basil or thyme can enhance the sauce.
Serve Fresh: While leftovers are tasty, this dish is best enjoyed hot and freshly prepared.
Pair Thoughtfully: Serve with crusty bread, a side of rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use zucchini instead of eggplants?
Yes, zucchini can be a great substitute for eggplants in this recipe.

2. Can I bake the eggplants instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Brush the slices with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

3. What other proteins can I use?
You can substitute the chicken with tofu, ground beef, or even shrimp for variety.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead. Assemble with freshly fried eggplants before serving.

5. Can I make the sauce spicier?
Add chili flakes or diced chili peppers to the sauce for an extra kick.

6. How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Final Thoughts: A Recipe to Remember

This Better Than Fried Eggplant! Delicious and Simple Dinner Recipe is a perfect example of how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. With crispy eggplants, juicy chicken, and a creamy sauce, this dish offers the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable recipe. Don’t forget to share it—you’ll be earning compliments all around! 🍴 Happy cooking!