Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Step 1: Prep the Eggplant
Start by slicing the eggplant into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Lay the slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt. Allow the salt to draw out any excess moisture for about 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy during frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bread the Eggplant
Take each slice of eggplant and dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are coated. Then, transfer the egg-coated slice to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the eggplant. Repeat this process for all the eggplant slices.
Step 4: Fry the Eggplant
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully place a few breaded eggplant slices into the hot oil, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat this process until all eggplant slices are fried, adding more oil if necessary.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the eggplant slices are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot as an appetizer, side dish, or even in sandwiches or pasta dishes. Enjoy!
With this easy step-by-step guide, you can create a mouthwatering breaded and fried eggplant dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to explore new flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and savor the crispy deliciousness of breaded and fried eggplant!