**Smoky Eggplant Croquettes: A Journey Through Mediterranean Flavors**
In the realm of culinary delights, the smoky eggplant croquettes stand as a testament to the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region. These delectable morsels, crafted with roasted eggplants, aromatic herbs, and a symphony of spices, offer a tantalizing journey through the senses. Embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the art of creating these crispy, golden-brown croquettes, filled with a tender and smoky eggplant core. Discover the secrets behind this irresistible dish, from selecting the perfect eggplants to mastering the art of frying, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Along the way, we'll uncover a treasure trove of variations and accompaniments, transforming these croquettes into versatile culinary masterpieces, perfect for any occasion. Get ready to savor the essence of the Mediterranean, one bite at a time, as we delve into the world of smoky eggplant croquettes.
SMOKY EGGPLANT DIP
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories appetizer
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Pierce each eggplant with the tip of a knife in about 10 spots. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until very soft and cracking in a few spots, about 50 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Cut each eggplant open lengthwise and scrape out the flesh with a large spoon; discard the skin. Place the flesh in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to coarsely chop. Add the parsley, mint, oregano, lemon juice, chiles, salt and olive oil. Puree for 20 seconds to combine. Allow to cool slightly before serving with crackers.
EGGPLANT CROQUETTES
This recipe is one of many I have discovered to utilize the bountiful eggplant crop my garden has produced this year. The kids will even love eggplant this way!
Provided by Kelli Charnes
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Eggplant
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Place eggplant in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on medium-high 3 minutes. Turn eggplant over and microwave another 2 minutes. The eggplant should be tender, cook another 2 minutes if the eggplants are not tender. Drain any liquid from the eggplants and mash.
- Combine cheese, bread crumbs, eggs, parsley, onion, garlic and salt with the mashed eggplant. Mix well.
- Shape the eggplant mixture into patties. Heat oil in a large skillet. Drop eggplant patties one at a time into skillet. Fry each side of the patties until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes on each side. Patties can be frozen before frying and cooked later.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.9 calories, Carbohydrate 23.6 g, Cholesterol 86.3 mg, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 12.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 910.9 mg, Sugar 5.1 g
ROASTED GARLIC OIL
Infused oils are a common sight in specialty food shops, but they can't rival the real deal coming out of your kitchen. Get your best olive oil out and start crushing garlic cloves. A short stint in the oven will produce a smooth and round garlic flavor that takes grilled vegetables and dressings somewhere refined. A healthy spoonful to finish pasta dishes works very well, too.
Provided by Gabrielle Hamilton
Time 25m
Yield 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a small ovenproof deep dish - a pie plate would work - combine all ingredients, and set in oven for about 20 minutes until the garlic is softened and golden and the oil is fragrant. We don't remove the cloves.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 248, UnsaturatedFat 23 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 0 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 77 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams
SMOKY EGGPLANT SPREAD
Essentially a delightful eggplant schmear to eat with warm pita triangles, this spread gets its pleasant smoky flavor from a deliberate charring of the eggplant skin. Whether over hot coals or under the broiler, the eggplant must be mercilessly blackened (the inner sweet flesh gets steamed to softness in the process). Tahini, olive oil, cumin, lemon and hot pepper take care of the rest.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories dips and spreads
Time 40m
Yield about 2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Prepare a charcoal fire or heat the broiler. Pierce eggplants here and there with the point of a paring knife. Place eggplants 2 inches from heat source. Allow skins to blister and char, turning with tongs until entire surface is blackened and eggplants are completely soft, about 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
- Slice eggplants in half lengthwise and lay skin side down on a cutting board. Carefully scrape away flesh with a knife and put it in a colander. Discard burned skins. Do not rinse eggplant flesh - a few bits of remaining char is fine. Salt flesh lightly and leave for 5 to 10 minutes, then squeeze into a ball to remove liquid.
- Blitz eggplant, 1/2 teaspoon salt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and cayenne in a food processor or blender to obtain a creamy purée. (For a more rustic spread, beat with a whisk instead.) Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice if necessary. Transfer mixture to a shallow serving bowl.
- Just before serving, stir together cumin and olive oil, and spoon over the mixture's surface. Sprinkle with paprika, parsley and mint. Serve with warm pita cut into triangles if desired.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 157, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 423 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams
Tips:
- To ensure the best flavor, choose ripe and tender eggplants. Look for eggplants that are firm and have a deep purple color.
- Before cooking, salt the eggplant slices and let them rest for 30 minutes. This will help to remove excess moisture and prevent the croquettes from becoming soggy.
- When grilling the eggplant slices, be sure to cook them over medium heat. This will help to prevent them from burning and will allow them to cook evenly.
- For the best results, use a food processor to grind the eggplant slices. This will help to create a smooth and evenly textured mixture.
- Be sure to season the croquettes generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices or herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder, to taste.
- When frying the croquettes, be sure to use a non-stick skillet and heat the oil over medium-low heat. This will help to prevent the croquettes from sticking and burning.
- Serve the croquettes immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Smoky eggplant croquettes are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish. They are perfect for parties or potlucks. With their smoky flavor and crispy texture, these croquettes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe, give these smoky eggplant croquettes a try!
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