Gripping Eggplant Parmesan (Vegan & Vegetarian Recipe)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 2 servings
This Gripping Eggplant Parmesan is an irresistible, vegan-friendly delight that’s both savory and satisfying. It takes just minutes to prepare, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight meal or as a side dish to any gathering. With its crisp exterior and tender interior, this dish offers a satisfying twist on traditional Parmesan, made without the need for any dairy!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Medium eggplant | 1 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Almond flour | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper to taste | To taste |
| Coconut oil | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 271 kcal
- Fat: 22.0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.0 g
- Protein: 12.0 g
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant: Begin by slicing the eggplant into thin, even slices.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Lay the slices flat on a surface and blot with a clean towel to remove excess moisture from the eggplant.
- Season: Sprinkle the slices with salt and pepper to taste.
- Marinate: Allow the seasoned eggplant to sit for about 30 minutes to marinate, which helps to draw out more moisture. After this, blot the slices one more time to ensure they are dry.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a medium bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until it’s well-beaten.
- Make the Dredge: In a large bowl, combine the garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined.
- Heat the Oil: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the coconut oil. Allow the oil to melt and heat up.
- Coat the Eggplant: Dip the eggplant slices into the egg wash and then dredge them in the almond flour and Parmesan mixture. Gently lift the coated slices and add them to the hot skillet.
- Fry the Eggplant: Fry each slice until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Repeat: Continue the process until all the eggplant slices are fried to perfection.
Serving and Enjoying:
Once all the eggplant is crispy and golden, it’s ready to serve! This Gripping Eggplant Parmesan is perfect as a stand-alone dish or paired with a fresh salad for a complete vegan meal. Its crunchy texture and savory flavors will surely make it a favorite at your table!
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains almonds (from the almond flour), eggs, and dairy (from the Parmesan cheese). Be sure to check the ingredients for any personal allergens, and feel free to adjust or substitute where needed. For vegan or dairy-free options, you can use a plant-based Parmesan and substitute the egg with a flaxseed mixture or chickpea flour as a binder.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegan-Friendly: By using dairy-free substitutes, this recipe can easily fit into a vegan diet.
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians who consume dairy and eggs.
- Gluten-Free: Almond flour makes this dish gluten-free, which is great for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Low-Carb: With only 10 grams of carbs per serving, this dish fits into low-carb diets.
Tips for Success:
- Crispier Texture: For extra crispiness, you can bake the eggplant after frying it in the skillet for a few more minutes at 375°F to achieve a crunchy finish.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add extra spices to the flour mixture for more depth of flavor, such as smoked paprika, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
- Storage: Leftover eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a skillet to maintain the crispness.
Conclusion:
This Gripping Eggplant Parmesan is the ideal vegan and vegetarian-friendly dish for anyone looking to indulge in a savory, crunchy, and satisfying meal. Simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile, and the quick cooking time makes it accessible even for busy days. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as part of a larger meal, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy!
