More Than Our Story

Crispy Eggplant with Spiced Yogurt and Pomegranate

Crispy Eggplant with Spiced Yogurt and Pomegranate

Total Time: 30 Minutes

Serves: 4

Vegetarian

Table of Contents

Inspiration

This dish is hands down one of my favourites and not just because it was the first meal my husband made for me, but because it is undeniably delicious. The combination of the crispy texture of the eggplant with the spicy tang of the yogurt and vibrant pomegranate seeds makes this dish a real winner.

Ingredients

Crispy Eggplant

  • Vegetable oil
  • 2 small, thin eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
  • Handful, pomegranate seeds
  • Handful, chopped cilantro leaves

Spiced Yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ¾ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2-3 dried red chiles (or more)
  • 14 curry leaves
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt or skyr
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

HEALTHY POMEGRANATE FACTS:
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants - a great way to support overall health and help prevent disease.

CANCER FIGHTING FACTS:
Pomegranates have cancer fighting properties. Studies have shown the compounds in pomegranate fruit, juice, and oil can help fight inflammation and slow or kill cancer cell growth. They are proven cancer fighters against cancers of the lung, breast, prostate, skin, and colon.

HEART HEALTH:
Pomegranates may help reduce blood pressure and reduce plaque buildup in arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Preparations

Crispy Eggplant

  1. Turn on oven to low heat.
  2. Pour about ½ inch of oil in a large frying pan.
  3. Add one layer of eggplant slices.
  4. Cook on medium-high heat until golden – around two or three minutes.
  5. Turn the slices and repeat.
  6. Place on eggplant slices on paper towel to drain excess oil, then place in the oven to keep warm.
  7. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.

Spiced Yogurt

  1. Heat the oil in a small pan.
  2. Add the mustard and cumin seeds, once they start popping, add the chiles and curry leaves and cook for another 10 seconds, or until cooked.
  3. Pour into the yogurt
  4. Season with salt and pepper.

Serving

  1. Place eggplant slices on a large plate.
  2. Spread the yogurt over the eggplants, or serve beside.
  3. Sprinkle eggplants with pomegranate seeds and chopped cilantro.
  4. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • If you don’t want to fry the eggplant, you can grill or bake them instead.
  • Soak the eggplant in saltwater (1-2 tablespoons of salt for a large bowl) for 20-30 minutes before cooking to reduce the amount of oil absorption during frying. Just make sure to pat the eggplant slices dry before adding to the oil.

SOURCES

Picture of Denise

Denise

Denise is the most positive person you will ever meet. She takes pleasure in sharing and giving and is selfless beyond imagination. She is also an animal lover and will never miss the opportunity to say hello to any four legged friends along her journey. Denise is also an advertising and PR wizard and will charm your socks off. In 2021 her journey began becoming an irreplaceable part of More Than Our Story.

Related Recipes

Bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar and a chili kick, our tantalizing Chimichurri recipe will teleport your taste buds to Argentina.

A Fall favorite in our household, butternut squash soup is a healthy, hearty, and heavenly dish that is surprisingly uncomplicated to make.

Figs are not only a delicious, low-calorie snack, they also offer a variety of potential health benefits. This recipe for fresh fig salad is sure to please.

Made from a spicy, umami blend of chilis, oil, garlic, nuts and peppercorns - chili crisp is one topper you’re not going to want to miss out on.

Like a South American salsa, this condiment with tomato, chilies, onion, cilantro, garlic, oil, and vinegar goes great with everything!

Bringing back memories of picnics and summer barbecues but it’s not your mom’s potato salad, it’s got an addictive twist and a touch of heat!

Traditional sushi cones have evolved, with soy wraps emerging as a new, popular and versatile twist on the traditional form.

Served as a cold appetizer in Chinese cuisine, this crunchy and refreshing dish has the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors.

Here's a delicious, crispy coconut-crusted French toast recipe that's sure to knock your socks off! Don't forget the real maple syrup!

Looking for a spicy crowd pleaser? This dish can be tailored to meet any dietary restrictions, and is best made with leftover rice. So get ready to heat things up!

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend used widely throughout the Middle East, that pairs with anything: dips, breads, vegetables, and meats.