Salad of Fresh Herbs and Greens with Fried Eggplant |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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Make this Turkish-inspired side dish into a light summer main course by adding grilled shrimp or chicken or by simply sprinkling with goat cheese. What to drink: Assyrtiko (a white varietal from Greece), Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. Ingredients:
1 small shallot, minced |
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or fresh lemon juice |
1/4 teaspoon (or more) ground sumac* (optional) |
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin |
7 tablespoons (or more) extra-virgin olive oil, divided |
1 1/2 cups (loosely packed) fresh italian parsley leaves |
1 1/2 cups (loosely packed) arugula, torn if large |
1 cup (loosely packed) small fresh basil leaves |
1 cup (loosely packed) torn fresh sorrel or baby spinach leaves |
1 cup (loosely packed) fresh mint leaves |
1/3 cup (loosely packed) 1-inch pieces fresh chives |
1/3 cup (loosely packed) fresh chervil leaves (optional) |
2 10- to 12-ounce eggplants, stems cut off |
coarse kosher salt |
nasturtium blossoms or other edible flowers (optional) |
Directions:
1. Whisk shallot, vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon sumac, and cumin in small bowl. Gradually whisk in 4 tablespoons oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Combine herbs and greens in large bowl. (Dressing and salad can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover separately and chill.)
2. Using vegetable peeler, remove eggplant peel in vertical strips every 1 to 1 1/2 inches, making striped pattern. Cut eggplants crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick rounds. Place rounds in large colander. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and toss to coat evenly. Let stand until rounds soften and release moisture, tossing occasionally, about 1 hour. Rinse rounds, 1 at a time, and press to release excess moisture. Arrange rounds in single layer on several thicknesses of paper towels. Pat dry with additional towels.
3. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry eggplant until golden and soft, adding more oil by tablespoonfuls as needed, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer eggplant to paper towels to drain.
4. Overlap eggplant rounds on platter. Sprinkle with pepper and more sumac, if desired. Toss herbs and greens with dressing; season to taste with salt and pepper. Mound salad atop eggplant. Garnish with nasturtium blossoms, if desired, and serve.
5. *A fruity and acidic seasoning powder made from ground dried sumac berries. It is available at Middle Eastern markets and by mail from Adriana's Caravan ( ).
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