Aunt Jane’s Eggplant Fingers

🍆 Aunt Jane’s Eggplant Fingers 🍆

History:
Aunt Jane’s Eggplant Fingers are a delicious and crispy snack or side dish made from eggplants. While there isn’t a specific historical record about this dish, it’s likely to have originated as a homemade family recipe, passed down through generations. It’s a creative way to enjoy eggplant, which is a versatile vegetable often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Components:

• 2 medium-sized eggplants
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (you can use store-bought or make your own)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for frying

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prep the Eggplant:

   • Wash and peel the eggplants, or you can leave the skin on if you prefer.
   • Cut the eggplants into finger-sized strips, about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will help draw out some of the moisture and bitterness.

2. Prepare the Coating:

   • In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Create the Egg Wash:

   • In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.

4. Coat the Eggplant:

   • Take each eggplant strip, dip it into the egg wash, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Place the coated strips on a baking sheet.

5. Heat the Oil:

   • In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil with a high smoke point.

6. Fry the Eggplant:

   • Carefully place the coated eggplant strips in the hot oil. Fry them in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook each side until they turn golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side.

7. Drain and Serve:

   • Once the eggplant fingers are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

8. Serve:

   • Aunt Jane’s Eggplant Fingers are best served hot. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, tzatziki, or a garlic aioli.

Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Aunt Jane’s Eggplant Fingers will vary depending on your experience and the number of eggplant fingers you’re making. On average, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish.

Enjoy these delicious eggplant fingers, and don’t forget to sprinkle some emojis of 🍆🍴 when you serve them! 😊