Kizarmis Patlican (Fried Eggplant With Green Peppers)
Description
This classic Turkish dish, Kizarmis Patlican, transforms humble eggplant into a golden, crispy delicacy. The eggplant slices are cut into fan shapes, soaked to remove bitterness, and deep-fried until tender and browned. They are served with a robust, reduced tomato sauce infused with garlic, accompanied by charred green peppers that add a smoky sweetness. The combination of the oily richness of the fried vegetable and the acidic brightness of the tomato puree creates a perfect balance.Directions
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy 8 to 10 inch skillet over moderate heat until a light haze forms.
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Add the peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped tomatoes, peeled and thinly sliced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the skillet.
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Mash the tomatoes and stir frequently, cooking briskly until almost all the liquid evaporates and the mixture becomes a thick, somewhat smooth puree.
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Remove the tomato sauce from the heat and set aside.
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Peel the eggplant and cut off the stem end.
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Cut the eggplant lengthwise into 1-inch thick slices.
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Lay each slice flat and cut lengthwise strips at 1-inch intervals, starting at the wide end and cutting to within about 2 inches of the narrow end, so the slices resemble fans.
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Combine 4 cups of water and the remaining 1/4 cup of salt in a shallow bowl or baking dish.
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Add the eggplant sections to the brine, turning them to coat evenly, and let soak at room temperature for 10 minutes to remove bitterness.
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Heat the remaining 1.5 cups of olive oil in a heavy 12-inch skillet over high heat until a light haze forms.
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Pat the eggplant slices completely dry with paper towels.
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Fry the eggplant slices 3 or 4 at a time, regulating the heat to ensure even browning without burning, for about 5 minutes on each side until lightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork.
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Transfer the fried eggplant to paper towels to drain and repeat with the remaining slices.
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Add the green peppers, skin side up, to the oil remaining in the skillet, adding more oil if necessary to cover.
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Cook the peppers over moderate heat for about 10 minutes, turning them with tongs, until soft but still firm.
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Drain the peppers on paper towels and peel off the skins with a small, sharp knife.
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Mound the eggplant slices in the center of a serving platter and pour the tomato sauce over them.
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Fold the green peppers in half lengthwise and arrange them attractively around the eggplant.
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Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 880kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 98g151%
- Saturated Fat 14g70%
- Sodium 5mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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