TRY THIS!
Photos by Katya
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In Ukrainian and Russian, appetizers are called zakuski. They are the masterpieces of our cooking. More than a snack before dinner, they’re like the first movement of a symphony. It is said that they began when people lived on country estates. Unexpected guests, who had been traveling a long time on the road, were first serve zakuski because they could be made and served very quickly while the main dinner was being prepared. Peacock Tails is a very popular zakuska. This is my own recipe.
Here is what you will need:
2 medium eggplants ... 2 small cucumbers ... 3 small tomatoes .. 150gr. (1 1/2 cups) cheese ... 2 cloves of garlic ... olives ... flour ... salt ... mayonnaise ... vegetable oil.
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Step 1:
Cut the eggplant diagonally in 1cm (1/4") thick rings. Sprinkle with salt, stir, and leave for 15 minutes. Then rinse with water and pat dry with a towel.
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Step 2:
Dust the eggplant slices with flour on both sides.
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Step 3:
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown. Flip over and brown the other side.
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Step 4:
Grate the cheese using a medium grater. Add mayonnaise to taste and garlic squeezed through a press. Mix well.
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Step 5:
Cut cucumbers diagonally into thin rings. Cut tomatoes and olives into thin rings also.
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Step 6:
Spread a little of the cheese mixture on the eggplant slices. Then add tomatoes slices, cucumbers and olives. Place the “feathers” in the shape of a tail of a peacock on a large plate. Enjoy!