Spicy Fried Eggplant (Aubergine) in Cornmeal 🍆
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Keywords: Less than 60 Minutes, Easy
Description:
Spicy Fried Eggplant in Cornmeal is an exceptional way to elevate the humble eggplant, turning it into a savory delight. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it’s not only delicious but also serves as a hearty meat substitute in vegetarian diets.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- Salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- Cornmeal
- Oil for frying
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 245.6
- Fat Content: 5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 67.7mg
- Sodium Content: 62.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 44.7g
- Fiber Content: 9.5g
- Sugar Content: 4.7g
- Protein Content: 8.8g
Recipe Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cut the eggplant into slices approximately 1cm (1/2 inch) thick. |
| 2 | Sprinkle a light layer of salt over the eggplant slices and allow them to sit in a colander for 30 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture from the eggplant. |
| 3 | After 30 minutes, wipe the eggplant slices dry using paper towels. |
| 4 | In a bowl, lightly beat the egg and mix it with milk, paprika, cayenne, and freshly ground black pepper to create a seasoned egg wash. |
| 5 | Spread a layer of cornmeal on a plate. |
| 6 | Heat oil in a frying pan or skillet for shallow or deep frying. |
| 7 | Dip each slice of eggplant into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly with cornmeal. |
| 8 | Carefully place the coated eggplant slices into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown on both sides. |
| 9 | Once fried, remove the eggplant slices from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Keep them warm until all slices are fried. |
| 10 | Serve the Spicy Fried Eggplant hot and enjoy its crispy exterior and tender interior! |
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider adding a dash of your favorite spices to the cornmeal coating.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces such as marinara or aioli for a delicious accompaniment.
Final Thoughts:
Spicy Fried Eggplant in Cornmeal is a delightful dish that combines the natural flavors of eggplant with a crunchy, seasoned coating. Whether served as a side dish or the main attraction, it’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy the simplicity and versatility of this recipe as you create a memorable culinary experience for yourself and your loved ones! 🌟
