FRIED EGGPLANT, TOMATO, AND CUCUMBER SALAD

Fried Eggplant, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad image

Provided by Yotam Ottolenghi

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves with tender stems
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves with tender stems
1 garlic clove, 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

Steps:

Purée cilantro, parsley, garlic, half of chiles, and 1/4 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 1/4 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 3/4 teaspoon 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.