Crispy Spiced Eggplant Fritters
Indulge in these Crispy Spiced Eggplant Fritters that are not only a delightful snack but also a perfect side dish for any meal. This recipe highlights the rich, savory flavors of eggplant, perfectly complemented by a spicy and aromatic chickpea flour coating. The use of semolina adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a heavenly experience. Enjoy these fritters garnished with fresh coriander and served on a crisp bed of shredded cabbage for a refreshing touch. Whether you're a fan of vegetarian dishes or simply exploring new flavors, these fritters are sure to become a favorite on your dining table!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 large (sliced)
Chickpea flour (besan)
1 cup (none)
Fine semolina
1 cup (none)
Cumin powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Coriander powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Powdered sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Hing (asafoetida)
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Oil
for frying (none)
Fresh coriander
for garnish (chopped)
Cabbage
for serving (shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the eggplant into thick slices and placing them in a large bowl of lightly salted water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes to draw out some moisture and bitterness.
2
In a separate bowl, combine chickpea flour, semolina, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, salt, powdered sugar, hing, and turmeric powder. Mix well and taste the mixture, adjusting the seasoning as necessary.
3
Heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot before frying to achieve crispy fritters.
4
Take each soaked eggplant slice out of the water, pat dry, and then thickly coat it in the chickpea-flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
5
Carefully place 4 coated eggplant slices at a time in the hot skillet. Cover with a lid to allow the eggplant to cook through. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip the slices and cook uncovered for another few minutes until crispy.
6
Once fried, place the fritters on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7
To serve, you can keep the fritters warm by placing them in a moderate oven (180°C / 350°F) for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve on a bed of shredded cabbage for crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Spiced Eggplant Fritters?
They are a savory snack or side dish made from thick slices of eggplant coated in a spiced chickpea flour and semolina mixture and fried until crispy.
What is the primary vegetable used in this recipe?
The primary vegetable used is eggplant.
How should I prepare the eggplant before coating?
Slice the eggplant into thick rounds and soak them in lightly salted water for 15 minutes to remove bitterness and moisture.
Why is it important to soak eggplant in salted water?
Soaking draws out excess moisture and bitterness, resulting in a better flavor and texture after frying.
What are the components of the dry coating?
The coating is a blend of chickpea flour, fine semolina, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, salt, powdered sugar, hing, and turmeric powder.
What is another name for chickpea flour?
Chickpea flour is also known as besan.
What is the role of semolina in this recipe?
Semolina is used to add a delightful crunch to the exterior of the fritters.
How much salt is needed for the spice mix?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt in the flour mixture.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 2 teaspoons of powdered sugar to balance the savory and spicy flavors.
What is hing and why is it used?
Hing, or asafoetida, is a spice used to provide a unique aromatic and savory depth to the coating.
How much turmeric is required?
Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder is used for color and flavor.
What level of heat should I use for frying?
You should heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
How do I ensure the coating sticks to the eggplant?
Pat the soaked eggplant slices dry before coating them thickly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres.
Should I cover the skillet while frying?
Yes, cover the skillet with a lid initially to allow the eggplant to cook through, then uncover to achieve crispiness.
How many eggplant slices should I fry at one time?
It is recommended to fry 4 slices at a time to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
How do I know when to flip the fritters?
Flip the slices once the bottom side has turned golden brown.
How long do I fry the second side?
Cook the second side uncovered for a few minutes until it becomes crispy.
What is the best way to remove excess oil after frying?
Place the finished fritters on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
How can I keep the fritters warm if I am not serving them immediately?
You can keep them in a moderate oven at 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the fritters with freshly chopped coriander.
What should I serve these fritters on?
They are best served on a bed of shredded cabbage for an extra refreshing crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetable-based dish categorized as vegetarian.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
The recipe is naturally vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients like chickpea flour and vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the coating?
Yes, you should taste the dry mixture before coating the eggplant and adjust the spices as necessary.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The fritters have a crispy exterior thanks to the semolina and a rich, tender interior from the eggplant.
What type of cuisine does this recipe resemble?
The use of spices like cumin, coriander, and hing gives it an Indian cuisine profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the garnish and serving base.
What spice provides the heat in the coating?
Chili powder is used to provide the spicy kick in the fritters.
Is this dish considered healthy?
The recipe is tagged as healthy and features nutritious ingredients like eggplant and chickpea flour.