Best 2 Melitzanokeftedes Roasted Eggplant Fritters With Tzatziki Recipes

**Melitzanokeftedes: A Culinary Delight from the Mediterranean**

Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with melitzanokeftedes, a delectable treat that embodies the flavors and aromas of this vibrant region. These roasted eggplant fritters, also known as eggplant meatballs or patties, are a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate. Discover the secrets behind creating perfect melitzanokeftedes, from selecting the finest eggplants to mastering the art of frying. Explore variations of this classic dish, including vegan and gluten-free options, to cater to diverse dietary preferences. Immerse yourself in the preparation of tzatziki sauce, a refreshing cucumber-yogurt dip that complements the fritters beautifully. With detailed instructions and helpful tips, this guide will empower you to recreate this culinary gem in your own kitchen, impressing friends and family with your culinary prowess.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN TZATZIKI

Chicken Tzatziki image

Make and share this Chicken Tzatziki recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Sonya01

Categories Chicken

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

400 g chicken strips
1 bunch shallot, chopped
1 lebanese cucumber, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
220 g low-fat tzatziki, dip
1 tablespoon of fresh mint, chopped

Steps:

Coat a pan with cooking spray, heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and tender.
Remove from pan.
Add the shallots to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes
Stir in the cucumber and garlic.
Saute for a further 5 minutes.
Add the tzatziki and mint.
Return the chicken to the Pan and gently heat through.
Garnish with extra mint if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160.8, Fat 3.2, SaturatedFat 0.8, Cholesterol 70, Sodium 83.9, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 1.3, Protein 23

LAMB OR BEEF KEBAB PITAS WITH TZATZIKI

Lamb or Beef Kebab Pitas With Tzatziki image

Because of the use of ground meat, this is what we call a kebab here. Delicious! They can be oven-roasted, but I highly recommend you do these on the bbq.

Provided by evelynathens

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 50m

Yield 4-5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 25

Ingredients

1 lb ground lamb (preferably leg, with all the fat) or 1 lb ground chuck
1 small red onion, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or 2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano (well-rubbed between your fingers)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
1 cup Greek yogurt (no other yoghurt will do) or 1 cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, crushed to a paste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
5 fresh mint leaves, minced
1/4 cup fresh dill, minced
1/4 cup cucumber, grated, squeezed dry (unpeeled, washed)
salt
fresh tomato, thinly-sliced
thinly sliced red onion
minced parsley
grilled pita bread

Steps:

In a bowl, knead together all the kebab ingredients. Form into sausages of about 4-5 inches in length. Cover and leave in the fridge for about an hour.
Prepare the Tzatziki: In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients. Taste, and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F (this is also great on the bbq).
Grill the kebabs until brown and crusty on all sides, and cooked through, about 12-14 minutes.
Get some grilled pita breads.
Place 1 or 2 kebabs inside each pita and add some slices of tomato, onion, some tzatziki, and a generous sprinkling of parlsey.
Roll up as tightly as you can without mushing up your sandwich, and wrap a piece of aluminum foil around bottom to catch any drips.
Enjoy one of the best sandwiches you've ever had.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479, Fat 38.5, SaturatedFat 13.5, Cholesterol 129.4, Sodium 153.6, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 1.5, Protein 22.1

Tips:

* Use fresh, ripe eggplants for the best flavor. * Roast the eggplants until they are soft and slightly charred. This will bring out their natural sweetness and smokiness. * Let the roasted eggplants cool slightly before handling them. This will make them easier to peel and mash. * Use a food processor or blender to finely chop the roasted eggplants. This will help to create a smooth and creamy batter. * Add a variety of herbs and spices to the batter to taste. Some good options include mint, parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, and paprika. * Fry the fritters in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. * Serve the fritters with tzatziki sauce, a refreshing yogurt-based sauce made with cucumbers, garlic, and dill.

Conclusion:

Melitzanokeftedes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. They are also a great way to use up leftover roasted eggplant. With their smoky flavor and crispy texture, melitzanokeftedes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.