Ultimate Fried Eggplant (Aubergine) |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 30 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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This recipe appeared in Gourmet about 15 years ago, and I've adapted it slightly. It's just amazing how the cornstarch eliminates the greasiness without diminishing the flavor at all. This is the basic version, but you can definitely jazz it up by adding Italian seasonings, grated Parmesan, etc. I never bother 'sweating' the eggplant when preparing it this way, but you may prefer to. Ingredients:
1 large egg |
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, plus extra for sprinkling |
1/3 cup cornstarch |
1 cup breadcrumbs (fresh is best, but the packaged kind is fine) |
1 small eggplant |
vegetable oil |
Directions:
1. Beat egg in a small bowl along with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2. Put cornstarch in a second small bowl and breadcrumbs in a third.
3. Cut eggplant crosswise into slices approximately 1/2-inch thick.
4. (If you prefer thinner slices, that will work fine, but you may need additional cornstarch and bread crumbs to get everything coated well.) Dredge each slice in cornstarch, coating thoroughly on both sides.
5. Tap gently against the side of the bowl to knock off excess.
6. Dip eggplant in beaten egg, coating each side lightly but thoroughly.
7. Dredge in crumbs, pressing firmly enough that the breading sticks.
8. Allow coated eggplant to dry briefly on paper towels.
9. Pour enough oil in a heavy skillet to cover slices about halfway.
10. Heat to 375 degrees.
11. Fry eggplant for one to two minutes on each side, until golden brown.
12. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.
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