Crispy Spiced Cornmeal-Crusted Eggplant
Transform the humble eggplant into a delectably crunchy and flavorful dish with this vibrant Cornmeal-Crusted Eggplant recipe. Infused with an exquisite blend of spices, each slice delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by the succulent and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of eggplant. This versatile dish is perfect as a main course or as a delightful appetizer, sure to please vegetarians and meat-lovers alike!
4
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggplant
1 (sliced into 1cm rounds)
salt
to taste (for extracting moisture)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
milk
1/2 cup (mixed with spices)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (used in egg mixture)
cayenne
1/2 teaspoon (used in egg mixture)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (used in egg mixture)
garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (used in egg mixture)
fine cornmeal
1 cup (spread on plate for coating)
oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by trimming the ends off the eggplant, then slice into 1cm (1/2 inch) rounds.
2
2. Arrange the slices in a colander and sprinkle each layer lightly with salt. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow moisture to extract.
3
3. After salting, gently pat each eggplant slice with paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt.
4
4. In a small mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg and mix in the milk. Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic salt, whisking until well combined.
5
5. Spread the fine cornmeal evenly onto a large plate.
6
6. Heat enough oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The oil should be deep enough for shallow frying.
7
7. Working with one slice at a time, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
8
8. Press the slice into the cornmeal, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. Repeat with remaining slices.
9
9. Fry the coated eggplant slices in batches, ensuring they do not overlap in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they achieve a golden brown color.
10
10. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Keep warm on a plate in a low oven if needed.
11
11. Serve the fried eggplant slices hot, and enjoy their crispy texture and spicy flavor!
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Protein
212.5mg
Sodium
32.5mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Spiced Cornmeal-Crusted Eggplant?
It is a dish that transforms eggplant into a crunchy and flavorful appetizer or main course using a spiced cornmeal coating.
How thick should the eggplant slices be?
The eggplant should be sliced into rounds approximately 1cm or 1/2 inch thick.
Why is salting the eggplant necessary before cooking?
Salting helps extract excess moisture from the eggplant, ensuring a better texture and preventing the dish from becoming soggy.
How long should the eggplant sit with salt?
You should set the salted slices aside in a colander for 30 minutes to allow the moisture to extract.
What do I do after the 30-minute salting period?
Gently pat each eggplant slice with paper towels to remove the extracted moisture and the excess salt.
What ingredients are in the egg mixture?
The egg mixture consists of one lightly beaten egg, 1/2 cup of milk, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic salt.
What type of cornmeal is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for fine cornmeal to achieve an even and crispy coating.
How do I prepare the skillet for frying?
Heat enough oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, ensuring it is deep enough for shallow frying.
How do I coat the eggplant slices?
Dip each slice into the egg and milk mixture, allow the excess to drip off, and then press it into the fine cornmeal until evenly coated.
How long should I fry each side of the eggplant?
Fry the coated eggplant slices for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
How do I know when the eggplant is done cooking?
The eggplant is ready when both sides have achieved a golden brown color.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this dish considered spicy?
Yes, the recipe uses paprika and cayenne pepper to give the coating a vibrant and spicy flavor profile.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are about 4.5 grams of protein in each serving of this dish.
What is the sodium content per serving?
Each serving contains 212.5mg of sodium.
How much cholesterol is in this recipe?
There is 32.5mg of cholesterol per serving.
Should I fry all the eggplant at once?
No, it is best to fry the slices in batches to ensure they do not overlap, which allows them to crisp up properly.
How do I keep the first batches warm while I finish frying?
You can keep the fried eggplant slices warm on a plate inside a low-temperature oven.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly vegetable dish.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include vegetarian, vegetable dish, fried eggplant, cornmeal crust, spicy, appetizer, main course, easy, and crispy.
What texture should the interior of the eggplant have?
The interior should have a succulent and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to trim the ends off the eggplant and slice it into 1cm rounds.
How much fine cornmeal is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of fine cornmeal for the coating process.
What should I do with the eggplant after frying?
Remove the slices from the skillet and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Which spices are added to the egg and milk mixture?
Add 1/2 teaspoon each of paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic salt to the liquid mixture.
Can this recipe be used as an appetizer?
Yes, it is a versatile dish that works perfectly as either a main course or a delightful appetizer.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 10 ingredients listed for this recipe, including the eggplant, coating, and spices.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated over medium-high heat until it reaches a shimmering state before adding the eggplant.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the fried eggplant slices hot to enjoy their peak crispy texture and spicy flavor.