Description
This Better Than Fried Eggplant! Delicious and Simple Dinner Recipe will completely change how you feel about eggplants! With crispy fried eggplant slices, flavorful chicken, and a velvety tomato-pepper sauce, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and quick to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Eggplants:
- 2 eggplants
- Salt, to taste
- 2–3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 liter cold water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Chicken:
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into pieces
- Dry garlic, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Seasoning for chicken, to taste
- 30–40 ml soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
For the Sauce:
- 600 g chopped tomatoes and sweet peppers
- 1 tsp sugar (incomplete)
- A little salt
- 2 tsp flour
- 100–150 ml water
- Dried parsley, to taste
- Cream cheese, as needed
Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggplants
- Rinse the eggplants and slice them into rounds or pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix 1 liter of cold water with apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt. Soak the eggplants in this mixture for 20-30 minutes to remove bitterness.
- Drain the eggplants and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the eggplants until golden brown on each side. Remove and set them aside on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with dry garlic, black pepper, and chicken seasoning.
- Add soy sauce and mayonnaise, mixing to coat evenly.
- Heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine chopped tomatoes and sweet peppers.
- Add sugar and a pinch of salt, then cook over medium heat until the vegetables soften.
- Dissolve 2 teaspoons of flour in 100-150 ml of water, then add this mixture to the saucepan while stirring to thicken the sauce.
- Stir in dried parsley and cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Dish
- In a serving dish or casserole, layer the fried eggplant slices.
- Top with the cooked chicken pieces.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and eggplants, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with additional dried parsley if desired.
- Serve warm, paired with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- Eggplants: Soaking in vinegar water removes bitterness and improves the flavor.
- Chicken Alternatives: You can swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or mushrooms for a vegetarian or pescatarian version.
- Sauce Adjustments: Add chili flakes or paprika for a spicy kick.
- Pairing: Serve with crusty bread, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International