Fattet Al Betingan Mahshi Food

FATTET BATTENJEN

Steps:

• For the eggplant: Remove the tops from the eggplants and slice them the long way into 1-inch slices. Rub the sea salt on the flesh sides of each eggplant and place them into a strainer on top of a large bowl. Let them sit for an hour in a cool place.
• Cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes, all about the same size so that they will cook evenly.
• Heat the oil in a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer. Line a plate with paper towels.
• Carefully drop one piece of eggplant into the oil, and when it starts to sizzle, add a few more handfuls. Working in batches, fry the eggplant until they are golden and crispy, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the fried eggplant to the paper-towel-lined plate.
• For the tahini yogurt garlic sauce: Whisk the yogurt in a large bowl until smooth. Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, pomegranate molasses and sea salt and whisk until combined and smooth.
• For the layers: Lay the toasted pita chips on a platter, top with the chickpeas and sprinkle with the salt and cumin. Top with the fried eggplant, then pour over the yogurt sauce and top with the parsley. Sprinkle over the paprika, pomegranate seeds and cranberries. Top with the melted butter and toasted pine nuts. Garnish with mint leaves if using and serve.

FATTET BETENJAN (EGGPLANT AND YOGURT SALAD)

Steps:

• Pour water and 2 tablespoons salt into a large bowl. Add cubed eggplant and let sit for 30 minutes. Drain and place on paper towel-lines plates until completely dry, about 30 more minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Chop pita bread into 1-inch cubes and place on a baking sheet.
• Roast in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes; do not burn. Remove from the oven and set aside.
• Heat 1/2 inch oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Working in batches, fry eggplant until golden, about 6 minutes per batch. Remove to paper towel-lined plates to drain.
• Meanwhile, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a small frying pan. Add almonds and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring often, until nicely brown and toasted, 3 to 4 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.
• Place lettuce on a serving platter. Layer with eggplant, chickpeas, and roasted pita bread. Pour yogurt mixture over top and sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serve at room temperature or cold.