CRISPY EGGPLANT WITH HERBED YOGURT SAUCE

Crispy Eggplant with Herbed Yogurt Sauce image

Provided by Seamus Mullen

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound baby eggplant, sliced in 1/2-inch rounds (substitution: Japanese eggplant)
3 cups whole milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chickpea flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon dry yeast, bloomed in 1/2 cup of warm water
1 pinch saffron, bloomed in 1 quart water
6 cups canola oil
Herbed Yogurt Sauce, recipe follows
1 cup whole milk yogurt
1 lemon, zested
1/2 clove garlic, grated
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves

Steps:

Add eggplant slices to a large bowl and cover with milk.
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and chickpea flour. In the center of the flour mixture, make a well and add the egg. Slowly pour in the bloomed yeast and saffron water while mixing with a wooden spoon to make a loose batter. Whisk to remove clumps and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm area for 45 minutes, or until the batter has risen in size.
Heat the oil to 475 degrees F.
Dip the eggplant, 1 slice at a time, in the batter and carefully add to the hot oil. Fry until the batter turns golden and begins to puff up. Remove slices to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve immediately with Herbed Yogurt Sauce for dipping.
Place the yogurt in a small bowl. Add the lemon zest, garlic, and mint, and gently fold to combine. Set aside.