One starter you must try ...... sweet and savoury

For all of us hardworking members of the Steemit community here is a rather tasty dish to enjoy when there are a few free minutes. It is a wonderfully different starter or snack. This is the great combination of sweet and savoury found in the Andalusian Speciality: Berenjenas con Miel (Aubergine with Honey). It uses just a few commonly available ingredients and even some of these can be substituted or added to by locally available alternatives.

Easy to make
This delicious tapas or snack is easily prepared and is always rapidly devoured by family and guests alike. It has its origins in Andalusia and combines the ingredients and flavours so typical of Southern Spain.

- the main ingredients

What is needed to make them?

Aubergines - small ones are good - these could be substituted by young courgettes (zucchini)
Olive Oil - the best quality you have
Plain Flour
(Black) Cane Sugar - available in Southern Spain but can be substituted with bees honey or even maple syrup
Salt and Pepper

How to make them

Carefully slice the Aubergines into thin rings (2-3mm thick). Then lightly salt both sides, lay them on kitchen paper and allow the moisture to be drawn from them. I usually allow from 25-50minutes for this.

Next, prepare the flour to form a light dry batter by simply seasoning and mixing with salt and pepper (I sometimes add other finely chopped dry herbs as well).

Now dry the Aubergine slices and gently press them (just a few at a time) into the flour - first one side then the other. Shake off any surplus flour.

- aubergine slices dabbed dry and awaiting a quick coating of flour

The oil should be heated in a shallow pan and the aubergines then gently lowered into the oil - they should sizzle. Fry for just a minute or two on each side then leave to drain/cool on kitchen paper. They should be semi crisp - some of us prefer more (or less) caramelisation.

- just cooling and awaiting the finishing touch

Serve with a small drizzle of black Cane Sugar and ENJOY

Footnote: locally the black Cane Sugar is often referred to as 'Miel (Honey) made without bees.'