Spicy Eggplant Delight

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Terong Balado to Eastern Arabian cuisine, we incorporate the distinct flavors of the region. The original Indonesian dish is known for its spicy and tangy flavors, which we enhance by adding aromatic spices commonly used in Eastern Arabian cuisine, such as cumin and coriander. These spices add depth and complexity to the dish, creating a fusion of flavors that is unique to this adaptation. We alse have the original recipe for Terong balado, so you can check it out.

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds 2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced eggplants to the pan and cook until they are tender and slightly browned.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, and paprika.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the spice mixture over the eggplants and stir well to coat.
6. 6.
   Add the tomato paste and lemon juice to the pan and stir until well combined.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplants — To ensure the eggplants cook evenly, make sure to slice them into rounds of similar thickness. This will help them absorb the flavors of the sauce more effectively.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder in the recipe.
• Serve the Spicy Eggplant Delight with a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
• Experiment with different varieties of eggplants, such as Japanese or Thai eggplants, for a unique flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Eggplant Delight as a main dish accompanied by fragrant rice or warm flatbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the eggplant slices on a platter, drizzle the sauce over them, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The vibrant red color of the sauce against the deep purple of the eggplants will create an eye-catching presentation.