Turkish style vegetables with yoghurt and green chilli oil

Ok, the vegetables are fried here, which isn’t everyone’s idea of a light, salady supper, but trust me, this will taste as fresh and refreshing as can be. And if you make sure the oil is hot enough, the veg don’t necessarily soak so much oil. When served with bread, it makes a whole, substantial meal.

Further recipe from Yotam to go with the Cous Cous.  A lovely man and really good chef.

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the courgettes and aubergines, stir well and set aside in a colander for 30 minutes, allowing some of the water to release.
Meanwhile make the chilli and herb oil. Place all the ingredients into a small food processor with ½ a teaspoon of salt and process into a smooth sauce with a thick pouring consistency.
Pour enough sunflower oil into a medium saucepan to come 3 centimetres up the sides of the pan and place it on medium to high heat. Once the oil is hot (little bubbles will start to surface), reduce the heat to medium. Pat-dry the courgettes and aubergines and have them and the other vegetables ready. First, deep-fry the aubergines in batches, about 7 minutes each batch. Now fry the courgette in batches, about 10 minutes each. Carry on with the red peppers, 8 minutes, and tomatoes, 5 minutes. Transfer the fried vegetables into a colander to drain as you fry them.
When the vegetables are lukewarm or room temperature, whisk the yoghurt in a large bowl with the garlic, fresh and dried mint, lemon juice, quarter of a teaspoon of salt and plenty of black pepper. Add the vegetables and stir very gently. Transfer to a serving dish and spoon over the herb oil. Serve immediately.

Serves four

• 2 large courgettes, cut into 4cm chucks (550g net)

  • 2 medium aubergines, cut into 4cm chunks (500g net)
  • 2 green peppers, cut into 4cm chunks (330g net)
  • 3 large plum tomatoes, each cut into 6 wedges (270g net)
  • Sunflower oil for frying
  • 180g Greek yoghurt
  • 1 large garlic clove, crushed
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, shredded
  • 2 tsp dried mint
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper

• Chilli and herb oil

  • 2 green chillies, de-seeded and roughly chopped
  • 20g parsley
  • 20g dill
  • 5g mint
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • ¾ tsp ground cumin
  • 4 tbsp olive oil