Crispy Eggplant Fritters With Smoked Mozzarella |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 90 Minutes |
Ready In: 90 Minutes Servings: 18 |
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Delightful, crispy balls of eggplant, Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs with a hidden treasure inside...melted smoked mozzarella. This recipe as given makes about 18-20 fritters. You might consider making more than you think you need. Read more . They go fast. Enjoy. Adapted from Bon Appétit. Ingredients:
2 large eggplants (2 pounds total) |
1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided |
olive oil (for brushing and frying) |
2 large eggs |
3/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (a combination of parmesan and asiago cheeses works well, too) |
1 1/4 cups plain dry breadcrumbs, divided |
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh italian parsley |
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme |
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper |
1 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour |
4 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 20 cubes) |
note: feel free to play with your herb mix here. i've used thyme, oregano and basil with the italian parsley and they all play well together. just chop them up fine....and use fresh herbs if you possibly can. |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut eggplants crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place on layers of paper towels. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt; let stand 30 minutes.
3. Brush 2 large baking sheets with oil.
4. Pat eggplant dry; arrange in single layer on prepared sheets. Brush lightly with oil. Bake until eggplant is tender and dry, about 1 hour. Cool slightly; chop coarsely.
5. Whisk 1 egg, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in medium bowl.
6. Stir in chopped eggplant (mixture will be soft).
7. Spread 1 cup breadcrumbs on plate.
8. Whisk 1 egg and flour in another bowl.
9. Press and shape eggplant mixture into 1 1/4 -inch-diameter balls. Press 1 piece smoked mozzarella into center of each ball, making sure eggplant mixture covers cheese.
10. Dip balls, 1 at a time, into egg batter; roll in breadcrumbs to coat.
11. Pour enough oil into large skillet to reach depth of 1/4 inch; heat over medium-high heat.
12. Working in batches, add balls to skillet; sauté until browned, turning often, about 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.
13. Sprinkle with salt while warm and serve.
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