Ingredients:
Eggplant:
2 eggplants
Seasoning:
Salt
Black pepper
Cooking Oil:
Olive oil
Vegetables:
2 red onions, diced
8 tomatoes, diced
Chopped parsley (to taste)
Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
clove garlic, minced
Accompaniments (Choose one or all):
Pita bread
Crusty bread
Piadina (flatbread)
Instructions:
Hello and Welcome!: Begin by prepping your eggplants. Slice them into rounds or cubes, whichever shape you prefer.
Taming the Bitterness: Eggplants can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste. To address this, sprinkle the sliced eggplants with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. This draws out the excess moisture and reduces bitterness.
Drying for Perfection: After 10 minutes, pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel. This ensures they brown beautifully when cooked.
Eggplant Magic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the patted-dry eggplant slices. Cook them for a few minutes on each side, until golden brown and tender. Once cooked, set them aside on a plate.
Onion Sauté: In a separate pan, heat another drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced red onions and sauté them for a few minutes, until they become translucent and softened.
Tomato Time: Add the diced tomatoes to the pan with the softened onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Parsley Power: For a fresh touch, sprinkle in some chopped parsley. The amount depends on your preference.
Yogurt Sauce Delight: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and minced garlic. Season this yogurt sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Bringing it Together: Add the cooked eggplant slices back to the pan with the tomato and onion mixture. Pour the yogurt sauce over the top, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Low and Slow Simmer: Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to further develop and the yogurt sauce to heat through. If there is excess liquid, keep the lid off for a few minutes to allow it to evaporate.
Serving Up Flavor: Once cooked through, serve the delicious Eggplant Stew hot. Enjoy it with your choice of accompaniment, such as warm pita bread, crusty bread, or piadina. For an extra touch, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and some additional chopped parsley.