Salad of Fresh Herbs and Greens with Fried Aubergine

Ingredients for Salad of Fresh Herbs and Greens with Fried Aubergine

• 1 small shallot, minced

• 2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoons (or more) ground sumac* (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin

• 110ml (or more) extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 1 1/2 cups (loosely packed) fresh Italian parsley leaves

• 1 1/2 cups (loosely packed) rocket, torn if large

• 1 cup (loosely packed) small fresh basil leaves

• 1 cup (loosely packed) torn fresh sorrel or baby spinach leaves

• 1 cup (loosely packed) fresh mint leaves

• 1/3 cup (loosely packed) 1-inch pieces fresh chives

• 1/3 cup (loosely packed) fresh chervil leaves (optional)

• 2 10- to 350g aubergines, stems cut off

• Coarse kosher salt

• Nasturtium blossoms or other edible flowers (optional)

How to make Salad of Fresh Herbs and Greens with Fried Aubergine

Whisk shallot, vinegar, 1/4 teaspoons sumac, and cumin in small bowl. Gradually whisk in 4 tablespoons oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Combine herbs and greens in large bowl. (Dressing and salad can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover separately and chill.)

Using vegetable peeler, remove aubergine peel in vertical strips every 1 to 1 1/2 inches, making striped pattern. Cut aubergines crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick rounds. Place rounds in large colander. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and toss to coat evenly. Let stand until rounds soften and release moisture, tossing occasionally, about 1 hour. Rinse rounds, 1 at a time, and press to release excess moisture. Arrange rounds in single layer on several thicknesses of paper towels. Pat dry with additional towels.

Heat 45ml oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry aubergine until golden and soft, adding more oil by tablespoonfuls as needed, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer aubergine to paper towels to drain.

Overlap aubergine rounds on platter. Sprinkle with pepper and more sumac, if desired. Toss herbs and greens with dressing; season to taste with salt and pepper. Mound salad atop aubergine. Garnish with nasturtium blossoms, if desired, and serve.

*A fruity and acidic seasoning powder made from ground dried sumac berries. It is available at Middle Eastern markets and by mail from Adriana's Caravan (adrianascaravan.com).

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.