Ingredients
For the eggplant meatballs:
2 medium eggplants
200 grams (½ lb) ground beef
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 spring onions, finely chopped
2 eggs
½ cup yogurt
60 grams (2 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
4-5 tablespoons flour (any type of flour)
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the yogurt sauce:
½ cup yogurt
1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Fresh dill, chopped (to taste)
Granulated garlic, a pinch
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the eggplants:
Cut the eggplants: To avoid cutting the edges of the eggplants, use chopsticks as a support while cutting. Cut the eggplants into rounds or slices as shown in the video.
Salt the eggplants: Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and leave them for 15 minutes to release moisture. This will help reduce bitterness and make them more tender.
Dry the eggplants: After 15 minutes, use a paper towel to dry excess moisture from the eggplants.
Prepare the ground beef filling:
Season the ground beef: In a bowl, combine the 200 grams of ground beef with salt, pepper and chopped spring onions. Mix well.
Make the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Make the cheese and flour: In a bowl, add ½ cup yogurt, mozzarella cheese, and 4-5 tablespoons flour. Mix until it forms a smooth dough-like consistency.Assemble the meatballs:
Dip the eggplant slices: Take each slice of salted and dried eggplant and dip it in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs. Coat each piece well.
Fry the eggplants: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Make sure the heat is not too high to avoid burning them.
Cook covered: Once the eggplant slices are golden brown, reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat to ensure the inside is fully cooked.
Make the yogurt sauce:
Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup yogurt, 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise, fresh dill, granulated garlic, and salt to taste. Mix well.
Serve:
Serve and enjoy: Once the meatballs are cooked, serve with the yogurt sauce on the side. Garnish with extra fresh dill, if desired.
Serving suggestions
With rice: Serve the crispy eggplant meatballs with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
As an appetizer: These meatballs are perfect as an appetizer, served alongside a light salad, or as part of a mezze platter. With pita bread: Wrap the eggplant meatballs and yogurt sauce in warm pita bread for a delicious sandwich.
As a snack: Enjoy the meatballs with yogurt sauce as a quick and satisfying snack any time of day.
With a Fresh Vegetable Salad: Pair with a refreshing salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a light and healthy side dish.
Cooking Tips
Preparing the Eggplant: Salting the eggplant slices helps remove excess moisture, preventing them from becoming soggy during cooking.Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs like dill will add a lot of flavor to your yogurt sauce.
Check the temperature of the oil: Make sure to fry the eggplants over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up without burning.
Nutritional Benefits
Eggplants: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like B6 and potassium, eggplants support heart health and digestion.
Ground Beef: Provides protein, iron, and other nutrients essential for muscle building and overall health.
Yogurt: A great source of probiotics, calcium, and protein, yogurt supports digestive health and strengthens the immune system. Dietary Information
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-friendly.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, replace the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use dairy-free yogurt in the sauce.
