Nature´s Express

Thanksgiving Eggplant Ravaiya

Mo 30 Oktober 2023

Name

Eggplant Ravaiya

Ingredients: - 1 large eggplant - 4 cups water - 2 tsp salt - vegetable oil for frying - 1/3 cup sugar - 1/2 tsp ground cardamom - 1/8 tsp saffron threads - 1/4 cup milk or water - 1/2 tsp rosewater or orange blossom water - sliced almonds and pistachios to garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the eggplant lengthwise into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick. In a medium saucepan, combine the eggplant slices with the water and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the eggplant is tender, about 5 minutes. Drain the eggplant well in a colander, pressing down on it to remove excess liquid. Set aside.

  2. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until shimmering. Fry the drained eggplant slices in batches until golden brown and crisp, turning once, about 2 minutes per side. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked eggplant to paper towels to drain. Allow the oil to return to temperature between batches.

  3. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cardamom, and saffron threads with the milk or water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the rosewater or orange blossom water.

  4. Arrange the fried eggplant slices in layers in a serving dish, drizzling each layer with some of the syrup. Garnish with sliced almonds and pistachios if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.лите направено от Александър Минчев и Марияна Димитрова

This recipe comes from Bulgarian cuisine. It's called "Eggplant Ravaiya". The main ingredients are eggplants, which are firstly boiled and then fried till they become crispy and golden-brown. After that, they are arranged in layers and soaked with a sweet syrup made of sugar, cardamom, saffron, milk (or water), and either rosewater or orange blossom water. This dessert is traditionally garnished with sliced almonds and pistachios for extra flavor and crunchiness. Enjoy!

Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

35 mins

Yield

Serves 6-8 people as a dessert

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 270, Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 1g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 350mg, Carbohydrates 45g (