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Ingredients
- INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves with tender stems
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves with tender stems
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 2 small green chiles, such as Thai, seeds removed, chopped, divided
- 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
- 3/4 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1 1/2” pieces
- Vegetable oil (for frying; about 2 cups)
- 1 pound small tomatoes (about 8), cut into wedges
- 1/2 pound Persian cucumbers (about 3), sliced
- SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
- A deep-fry thermometer
Details
Servings 6
Adapted from bonappetit.com
Preparation
Step 1
Purée cilantro, parsley, garlic, half of chiles, and ¼ cup olive oil in a blender or food processor until very smooth; season herb oil with salt and set aside.
Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, and remaining ¼ cup olive oil in a small bowl; season with salt and set yogurt sauce aside.
Place eggplants in a colander set in the sink; season with ¾ tsp. salt. Let sit 30 minutes to drain, then pat dry.
Fit a medium pot with thermometer; pour in vegetable oil to measure 2”. Heat over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 375°.
Working in batches and returning oil to 375° between batches, fry eggplants, turning often, until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggplants to paper towels to drain; season with salt. Let cool.
Combine eggplants in a large bowl with tomatoes, cucumbers, and remaining chiles; drizzle with some reserved herb oil and toss to combine. Season salad with salt.
Spoon reserved yogurt sauce onto a platter, top with salad, and drizzle with more herb oil.
DO AHEAD: Herb oil and yogurt sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill separately.
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