395 – Moroccan Eggplant Salad with Charmoula / سلطة الباذنجان بالشارميولا

Ingredients :

• 4 small eggplants
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Charmoula Sauce Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Directions :

Step 1 – Cut the eggplants
1- Cut the eggplants lengthwise in half, but keep them attached at the base, do not cut all the way through.
2- Then make another cut the same way as if you were cutting the eggplants into quarters.

Step 2- Make the Charmoula sauce
1- Roll the lemons and juice them.
2- Grate the garlic cloves.
3- Finely chop the cilantro.
4- Finely chop the parsley.
5- In a bowl mix all the ingredients: the garlic, cilantro, parsley, olive oil, and the lemon juice.
6- Add the spices: paprika, ground cumin, hot chili pepper, and salt. Mix.

Step 3 – Fry the eggplants
1- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil, and fry the eggplants.
2- The eggplants are ready when they have a beautiful deep golden brown color.
3- Use a paper towel to remove excess oil

Step 4 – Combine all
1- Place the fried eggplants in a plate, and coat with the charmoula sauce.
2- Marinate for one hour before serving.
3- Enjoy with toasted bread