Certainly! Let’s dive into the delightful world of Oven Fried Eggplant, a recipe that’s not just tasty but also light on the waistline. This dish, which hails from the pages of “Cooking Light” magazine, offers a refreshing take on preparing eggplant, turning it into a crunchy, flavorful delight that’s perfect for lunch or snacking occasions.
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Oven Fried Eggplant (Aubergine)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Description: This recipe appeared in “Cooking Light” magazine. This is a non-traditional way to prepare eggplant, but it really cuts the calories.
- Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, < 60 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Easy, Inexpensive
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 301
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 122
- Fat Content: 3.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 10.5mg
- Sodium Content: 435.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 17.5g
- Fiber Content: 5g
- Sugar Content: 5.6g
- Protein Content: 5.6g
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise
- 1 onion
- 1 eggplant (aubergine)
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, prepare a baking sheet by coating it with cooking spray.
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Mix Mayonnaise and Onion: In a bowl, combine the fat-free mayonnaise and finely chopped onion. Stir the mixture well until it’s evenly blended.
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Coat Eggplant Slices: Take your eggplant and slice it into rounds of about 1/4-inch thickness. Spread the mayonnaise and onion mixture evenly over both sides of the eggplant slices.
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Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. This flavorful mixture will coat your eggplant slices, adding a delightful crunch and taste.
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Dredge Eggplant: Take each eggplant slice and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated.
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Bake: Place the coated eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes.
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Flip and Bake: After 12 minutes, carefully flip the eggplant slices over using a spatula. Continue baking for an additional 12 minutes, or until the slices are golden brown and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the oven-fried eggplant slices from the oven. Serve them hot as a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.
Cooking Tips:
- For a golden-brown crust, ensure the breadcrumb mixture is evenly applied to each eggplant slice.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve the oven-fried eggplant slices with a side of marinara sauce or a yogurt-based dip for added flavor.
Conclusion:
Oven Fried Eggplant offers a creative twist on traditional eggplant recipes, delivering a crispy, flavorful snack or light meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With its simple preparation and healthier oven-baked cooking method, this recipe proves that you can enjoy delicious dishes without compromising on taste or nutrition. Try it out for yourself and discover a new favorite snack that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious!