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Vegan Fried Eggplant Recipe with Green Peppers and Tomatoes

Vegan Fried Eggplant Recipe with Green Peppers and Tomatoes

Enjoy this Vegan Fried Eggplant Recipe with Green Peppers and Tomatoes as a flavorful main dish or appetizer.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Inactive Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Vegan
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 people
Calories 244.4 kcal

Equipment

  • Large cooking skillet
  • Splatter screen

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large eggplant washed, dried, sliced in ½" rounds
  • kosher salt
  • 2 large green bell peppers washed, dried, sliced in 1"- wide strips
  • 5-6 large slicing tomatoes washed, dried, sliced in ½" rounds
  • 5 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoon sumac or more
  • 2 tablespoon white vinegar
  • ½ cup healthy cooking oil more as needed
  • ¼ cup walnut hearts optional
  • ½ cup fresh mint or parsley leaves for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Spread eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to sweat out any bitterness. Pat dry when ready.
  • Heat the oil on medium-high heat (be sure the oil is shimmering but not smoking). Start by frying green peppers, skin side down, until tender and skin turns brown. Remove from heat and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with a little salt and a generous sprinkle of sumac.
  • In the same frying pan, now fry the eggplant. Use tongs to keep your distance and a splatter screen to cover the pan. When edges of one side turn golden brown, flip over. When eggplant turns golden brown on both sides, remove from heat and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle generously with sumac.
  • If needed, add a little bit of oil to your frying pan. Now, fry the tomatoes for two minutes then add the garlic. Cook another 4 to 5 minutes, tossing gently. Turn the heat down and add 2 tablespoon of vinegar, salt, and a generous pinch of sumac. When the tomatoes are tender, releasing juices and turning bright orange in color, turn the heat off.
  • Assemble the fried eggplant dish. Grab a large serving platter, layer a bit of the eggplant at the bottom, then add green peppers, then the saucy tomatoes on top. Repeat as needed till you have all the veggies on your platter. Garnish with fresh mint and walnut hearts.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of pita or Lebanese rice.

Notes

Do not skip the first step of salting the eggplant; it helps break its spongy texture and prevents it from absorbing too much oil. Use a long pair of tongs for safety and a splatter screen for protection and easy clean up. To store leftovers, drain excess oil and refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 244.4kcalCarbohydrates: 12.1gProtein: 3gFat: 21.8gSaturated Fat: 2.1gSodium: 11.3mgPotassium: 546.4mgFiber: 4.7gVitamin A: 1439.3IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 37.3mgIron: 1.1mg
Keyword appetizer, Fried Eggplant, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean Dish, Vegan Fried Eggplant, Vegetarian Main
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