Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing the eggplant. Wash the eggplant thoroughly and remove the stem. Then, slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are coated.
4. Next, place the egg-coated slice into the bread crumb mixture. Coat both sides evenly, pressing down gently to make sure the crumbs adhere to the eggplant.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all the eggplant slices.
6. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Make sure there is enough oil to submerge the eggplant slices partially.
7. Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few breaded eggplant slices into the pan. Fry them on each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Remove the fried eggplant slices from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Repeat step 7 and 8 until all the eggplant slices are fried.
10. Serve the breaded and fried eggplant slices hot with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy this crunchy and mouthwatering breaded and fried eggplant as a delightful appetizer or a side dish! It pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or alongside your favorite main course.
Tips and Variations:
- For added flavor, try adding garlic powder, dried herbs, or chili flakes to the bread crumb mixture.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the breaded eggplant in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- This recipe can also be used to make delicious eggplant parmesan. Simply layer the fried eggplant slices with marinara sauce and cheese in a baking dish, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this easy and scrumptious breaded and fried eggplant dish. Let us know your favorite way to enjoy eggplant in the comments below!