Description
Crispy Mediterranean fried eggplant showcases golden slices of eggplant seasoned with aromatic herbs. Salt and drain the eggplant before frying for maximum crunch, serving this delightful dish that draws you into Mediterranean culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium-sized eggplant (fresh)
- 1 cup (240 ml) olive oil (for frying)
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g) seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse eggplants thoroughly and slice into uniform 1/4-inch circular medallions, then generously salt to extract excess moisture for 30 minutes.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with seasoned breadcrumbs for coating process.
- Gently pat eggplant slices dry with paper towels to remove excess salt and surface moisture.
- Meticulously coat each eggplant slice first in flour, ensuring complete coverage and shaking off excess.
- Dunk floured slice into beaten eggs, allowing complete egg adhesion for optimal crispiness.
- Transfer egg-coated slice into breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create an even, robust exterior layer.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F, maintaining consistent medium temperature.
- Carefully place breaded eggplant slices into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown color and crispy texture.
- Remove fried eggplant slices and place on wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately while maintaining maximum crispness and warmth.
Notes
- Salt the eggplant beforehand to remove excess moisture and reduce bitterness, ensuring a crispier texture when frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating that provides a lighter, airier breading compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
- Pat eggplant slices completely dry with paper towels after salting to prevent sogginess and promote better browning during frying.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg