Welcome to Love With Recipes! 🥰 Today, we’re diving into a delightful dish that promises to be a hit at your dining table – the Ultimate Fried Eggplant (Aubergine). This recipe, originally featured in Gourmet magazine, has been slightly adapted to enhance its appeal. The magic ingredient here is cornstarch, which helps eliminate greasiness while preserving the eggplant’s delectable flavor. Whether you stick to the basic version or add a sprinkle of Italian seasonings or grated Parmesan, this fried eggplant will surely become a family favorite. No need to sweat the eggplant – unless you prefer to, of course!
Ultimate Fried Eggplant (Aubergine) Recipe 🍆
Preparation and Cooking Time ⏱
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | None | 30 minutes |
Description
This recipe appeared in Gourmet about 15 years ago, and I’ve adapted it slightly. It’s just amazing how the cornstarch eliminates the greasiness without diminishing the flavor at all. This is the basic version, but you can definitely jazz it up by adding Italian seasonings, grated Parmesan, etc. I never bother ‘sweating’ the eggplant when preparing it this way, but you may prefer to.
Recipe Category
- Vegetable
Keywords
- Healthy
- < 30 Mins
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 198
- Fat Content: 2.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 46.5mg
- Sodium Content: 509.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 37.1g
- Fiber Content: 6g
- Sugar Content: 4.9g
- Protein Content: 6.6g
Servings
- 4 servings
Ingredients 🛒
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 eggplant
- Additional salt to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions 📋
-
Prepare the Egg Wash and Coatings:
- In a small bowl, beat one egg along with 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt until well combined.
- Place cornstarch in a second small bowl.
- If you choose to add breadcrumbs for extra crunch, place them in a third bowl.
-
Slice the Eggplant:
- Cut the eggplant crosswise into slices approximately 1/2-inch thick. If you prefer thinner slices, that will work fine, but you may need additional cornstarch and breadcrumbs to ensure everything is coated well.
-
Coat the Eggplant:
- Dredge each eggplant slice in cornstarch, coating thoroughly on both sides. Tap gently against the side of the bowl to knock off any excess.
- Dip the eggplant slices into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring each side is lightly but thoroughly coated.
- Dredge the slices in breadcrumbs (if using), pressing firmly enough to ensure the breading sticks.
-
Dry the Eggplant:
- Allow the coated eggplant slices to dry briefly on paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better during frying.
-
Heat the Oil:
- Pour enough oil into a heavy skillet to cover the eggplant slices about halfway.
- Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). A kitchen thermometer is handy here, but you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and browns in about a minute, the oil is ready.
-
Fry the Eggplant:
- Carefully place the eggplant slices into the hot oil.
- Fry each slice for one to two minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried eggplant to paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with additional salt while still hot.
-
Serve:
- Serve the fried eggplant slices immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They make a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with a fresh salad.
Tips and Variations 🌟
- Italian Twist: Add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs for a flavorful twist. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the eggplant slices before serving.
- Sweating the Eggplant: If you prefer a slightly less bitter flavor, you can sweat the eggplant slices by sprinkling them with salt and letting them sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing and patting dry. This step is optional but can enhance the overall taste.
- Healthier Option: For a healthier version, you can bake the coated eggplant slices in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Final Thoughts 💭
This Ultimate Fried Eggplant recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, appetizer, or a main dish, its crispy exterior and tender interior will leave you craving more. The secret to its success lies in the cornstarch coating, which ensures a perfect crunch without the greasiness. Don’t be afraid to get creative with seasonings and toppings to make this recipe your own. Enjoy your culinary journey with Love With Recipes, and happy cooking! 🍳🥳
