Lunch: Fried Eggplant, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

Recipe by Yotam Ottolenghi Eggplant is like a sponge. Salting it draws out moisture and firms up the flesh, and deep-frying ensures it cooks evenly until creamy throughout. Worth your time.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health benefits of Fried Eggplant, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves with tender stems
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves with tender stems
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 small green chiles, such as Thai, seeds removed, chopped, divided
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
3/4 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 medium eggplants (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1 1/2" pieces
Vegetable oil (for frying; about 2 cups)
1 pound small tomatoes (about 8), cut into wedges
1/2 pound Persian cucumbers (about 3), sliced

Instructions

Purée cilantro, parsley, garlic, half of chiles, and 1/4 cup olive oil in a blender or food processor until very smooth; season herb oil with salt and set aside.
Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in a small bowl; season with salt and set yogurt sauce aside.
Place eggplants in a colander set in the sink; season with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Let sit 30 minutes to drain, then pat dry.
Fit a medium pot with thermometer; pour in vegetable oil to measure 2". Heat over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 375 °.
Working in batches and returning oil to 375 ° between batches, fry eggplants, turning often, until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggplants to paper towels to drain; season with salt. Let cool.
Combine eggplants in a large bowl with tomatoes, cucumbers, and remaining chiles; drizzle with some reserved herb oil and toss to combine. Season salad with salt.
Spoon reserved yogurt sauce onto a platter, top with salad, and drizzle with more herb oil.
Do ahead: Herb oil and yogurt sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill separately.

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