Certainly! Here’s a delectable recipe for Southern Battered Eggplant, straight from the heart of traditional Southern cuisine, handed down through generations. This dish, a cherished gem from your grandmother’s kitchen, is a true delight, especially when paired with a velvety marinara sauce. 🍆
Southern Battered Eggplant
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Recipe Category: Vegetable
- Keywords: Summer, Less than 60 Minutes, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 eggplant
Instructions:
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Begin by slicing the eggplant, ensuring the slices aren’t too thin, and place them in a colander to drain.
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Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them stand for about 20 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture from the eggplant, ensuring a crispier result when frying.
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While the eggplant is resting, sift together the flour, salt, and fresh ground pepper in a large bowl. This dry mixture will form the base of your batter, providing a flavorful coating for the eggplant slices.
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In another bowl, combine the milk and eggs, then beat them into the dry mixture until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. This combination of milk and eggs adds richness and helps bind the flour mixture to the eggplant slices during frying.
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Once the batter is ready, gently pat dry the eggplant slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt. This step ensures that the batter adheres well to the eggplant slices during frying.
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Heat oil in a frying pan or skillet to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be hot enough to create a crisp and golden exterior on the eggplant slices without absorbing too much oil.
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Working in batches, dip the eggplant slices into the batter, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. Carefully place the battered eggplant slices into the hot oil, frying them until they turn a beautiful golden brown color on both sides. This process should take approximately 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the slices.
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As the eggplant slices cook, use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully turn them over to ensure even frying. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy eggplant slices.
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Once the eggplant slices are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Serve the Southern Battered Eggplant warm, alongside your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the eggplant slices, paired with the rich flavors of the marinara sauce, create a truly irresistible combination that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
This Southern Battered Eggplant recipe is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the South and create cherished memories with family and friends. Enjoy this classic dish as a delightful appetizer, side dish, or even a hearty main course that’s both comforting and satisfying.
