A friend from Turkey shared this amazing eggplant recipe with me, and it’s tastier than meat! This simple yet flavorful dish will surely become a favorite in your household. Follow these easy steps to create a mouth-watering eggplant dish that is both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 eggplants
- 3 liters of water
- Salt, to taste
- 4 eggs
- Ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplants: Peel the eggplants and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Fill a large bowl with 3 liters of water and add salt to taste. Submerge the eggplant slices in the salted water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This helps to remove any bitterness from the eggplants.
- Drain and Dry: After soaking, drain the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and season with a pinch of salt and ground pepper. In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise and mustard, mixing well. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, flour, and smoked paprika.
- Coat the Eggplant Slices: Take each eggplant slice and first coat it with the mayonnaise and mustard mixture. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the slice with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat enough oil for frying over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Fry the Eggplants: Carefully place the coated eggplant slices in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; fry in batches if necessary. Transfer the fried eggplant slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy eggplant slices hot, garnished with additional ground pepper or smoked paprika if desired. They make a delicious appetizer or side dish and are perfect for sharing.
Conclusion
This Turkish-style eggplant recipe is a delightful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. The combination of crispy coating and tender, flavorful eggplant makes it a dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy it as a tasty alternative to meat, and savor the wonderful flavors that this simple recipe brings to your table. Happy cooking!