This spicy eggplant is my all-time favorite eggplant recipe. Hands down. the name Ogoniok (Огонек) means "little fire" because it does have a spicy kick to it. My Aunt Tanya brought this recipe over from the old country. I'm telling you, It will knock your socks right off (not because it's too spicy but because it's ridiculously amazing)!! I eat this right out of the fridge with a piece of toast and it's all I need.
2-3medium/large jalapenos, or to taste, seeded and minced
7large, or 10 medium garlic cloves, peeled and pressed/minced
Canola Oil to fry eggplant
Instructions
Cut eggplant into 1 1/2" to 2" pieces.
Fill 1/3 of medium/large pot with canola oil and place over med/high heat. To test if oil is ready, drop in a piece of eggplant and it should bubble and sizzle. Once oil is hot, add enough eggplant to keep it mostly submerged in oil. The eggplant should be bubbling and boiling in the oil the entire time. Cook in 2 to 3 batches depending on the size of your pot. Once eggplant is golden (15 to 20 minutes), remove with a slotted spoon and place in a colander set over a bowl to drain off excess oil. Let it drain in the colander until eggplant is just barely warm then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, combine white vinegar, pressed garlic cloves, minced jalapeños and salt. Stir together and drizzle over cooled eggplant. Toss to combine. Eggplant can be enjoyed right away or refrigerated. It keeps for several weeks and only gets better as the flavors meld.
Be sure to explore our other Eggplant recipes like this eggplant spread and definitely eggplant parmesan!