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+ servings
Vegan Afghan Eggplant

Irresistible Vegan Afghan Eggplant with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Discover the flavors of Vegan Afghan Eggplant, a delightful dish featuring spiced tomato sauce and creamy yogurt.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Eggplant
  • 2 medium Eggplant (globe or Italian)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Frying Oil (Canola, Vegetable, or Sunflower)
For the Spiced Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds or half ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo Pepper Flakes or gochugaru
  • 1 can Canned Diced Tomatoes (fire-roasted)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
For the Creamy Garlicky Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 cup Plant-Based Yogurt (Almond or Cashew)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let rest in a colander for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
  2. Heat frying oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels.
  3. In a saucepan, heat olive oil, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in spices, add tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, and salt. Simmer for 8 minutes until thickened.
  4. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon zest, mint, and parsley until smooth. Add a pinch of salt if needed.
  5. Spread a layer of yogurt sauce in a serving dish, layer with fried eggplant, and top with spiced tomato sauce. Add more yogurt on top if desired.
  6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with parsley and mint. Pair with Afghan bread or rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, ensure oil temperature is hot enough for frying, avoid overcrowding the skillet, and rinse eggplant thoroughly after salting.

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