This dish combines the juiciness of meat, the tenderness of eggplants, and a crispy crust. It is easy to prepare and requires a minimal set of ingredients. We will show you how to make this culinary masterpiece quickly and without any hassle.
Ingredients:
- Eggplants — 1-2 pcs.
- Minced meat (any: beef, chicken, or pork) — 300 g
- Green onions — to taste
- Garlic — 2-3 cloves
- Salt — to taste
- Black pepper — to taste
- Paprika — 1 tsp
- Soy sauce — 2 tbsp
- Flour — 1 cup
- Water — 1 cup
- Vegetable oil — for frying
Step-by-step Recipe
1. Prepare the eggplants
Start with the eggplants. Slice them thinly lengthwise — the thickness should not exceed 5 mm, so they can be easily rolled. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes. This will help eliminate bitterness and make the eggplants softer. After that, rinse them under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Prepare the filling
Add finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the minced meat. For a richer flavor, add soy sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little water.
3. Form the rolls
Place a thin layer of filling on each eggplant slice. Carefully roll up the slice into a roll and secure it with a toothpick to prevent it from unrolling while frying.
4. Prepare the batter
In a bowl, mix flour, water, a little salt, and 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. The batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter. If it is too runny, add a little flour; if it is too thick, add more water.
5. Fry the rolls
Heat a pan with plenty of vegetable oil. Dip each roll into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, and place it in the hot pan. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side until a delicious golden crust forms. After frying, place the rolls on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serving the dish
Serve the rolls hot. They pair wonderfully with sweet and sour, garlic, or sour cream sauce. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or sprinkle with sesame seeds for added elegance.
Tips and Recommendations
- For particularly juicy rolls, choose fresh, firm, medium-sized eggplants.
- If you want to lighten the dish, you can bake the rolls in the oven by placing them on parchment and baking at 180°C for 25-30 minutes.
- Experiment with fillings! You can add grated cheese, mushrooms, or finely chopped vegetables to the minced meat.