Description
Transform simple eggplants into a crispy, savory delight with this Delicious Turkish-Style Eggplant Recipe. Featuring smoky paprika and a golden breadcrumb crust, this dish is perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a family favorite. Serve it as a side dish, snack, or appetizer—it’s a versatile treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3 eggplants
- 3 liters of water
- Salt (to taste)
- 4 eggs
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Oil for frying
Instructions
1. 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. Submerge the eggplant slices in the salted water and soak for 30 minutes to remove bitterness.
2. Drain and Dry
- After soaking, drain the eggplants and pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly.
3. Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise and mustard until smooth.
- In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, flour, and smoked paprika.
4. Coat the Eggplant Slices
- First, coat each eggplant slice in the mayonnaise-mustard mixture.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, coat the slice with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
5. Heat the Oil
- Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium heat for shallow frying. The oil should sizzle when you drop in a breadcrumb, indicating it’s ready.
6. Fry the Eggplants
- Carefully place the coated slices in the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Fry in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the skillet.
- Transfer fried slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Serve
- Serve the crispy eggplant slices immediately, garnished with smoked paprika or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Soak the Eggplants: Soaking in salted water removes bitterness and prevents oil absorption.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough to create a crispy coating without greasiness.
- Reheat Tip: Use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness when reheating leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Turkish