Crunchy Eggplant

Crunchy Eggplant Recipe with Lemon Pepper and Oregano

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crunchy Eggplant is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish. The combination of crispy corn flakes and flavorful spices makes this recipe a favorite among many.

History

The origins of Crunchy Eggplant are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in Mediterranean cuisine. Eggplant is a popular vegetable in this region, and the idea of coating it in corn flakes and baking it to create a crunchy texture is a creative twist on traditional eggplant dishes.

Ingredients

1 eggplant
1 egg white
1 tsp lemon pepper
1 tsp oregano
0.5 tsp red pepper
1 cup crushed corn flakes
PAM cooking spray

How to prepare

Slice the eggplant, peeling it if desired.
Dip the slices in a mixture of egg white, lemon pepper, oregano, and red pepper to taste.
Coat the slices with crushed corn flakes and place them on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with PAM.
Bake the slices in a preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes.
When hot, these slices are delicious.
When cold, they become a crispy and satisfying treat.

Variations

Try using different spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the corn flakes with breadcrumbs or panko for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Peeling the eggplant is optional, but it can help create a smoother texture.

- Be generous with the spices to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Use PAM cooking spray to prevent the eggplant slices from sticking to the baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions

Crunchy Eggplant can be served as a snack with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Instead of eggplant, you can use zucchini or yellow squash.

- Instead of corn flakes, you can use breadcrumbs or panko.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the eggplant slices ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Crunchy Eggplant slices on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Crunchy Eggplant pairs well with a light and refreshing salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Crunchy Eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the slices in the oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crunchy Eggplant contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crunchy Eggplant contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crunchy Eggplant contains approximately 2 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Crunchy Eggplant contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggplant is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains egg and corn, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Crunchy Eggplant is a low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying snack or side dish option.

Summary

Crunchy Eggplant is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a crispy texture and a flavorful coating of spices and corn flakes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Crunchy Eggplant. It was many years ago, during a trip to Italy with my dear friend Maria. We were wandering through the bustling streets of Rome, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city, when we came across a tiny little trattoria tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street.

As soon as we stepped inside, the delicious aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafted through the air, making our mouths water. We were greeted by a friendly old Italian nonna who welcomed us with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. She was busy at work in the kitchen, stirring pots and pans with a sense of purpose and passion that was infectious.

Maria and I settled into a cozy corner table and eagerly perused the menu, which was filled with all manner of traditional Italian dishes. But it was the Crunchy Eggplant that caught my eye. I had always been a fan of eggplant, but I had never tasted it prepared quite like this before.

When our food arrived, I took my first bite of the Crunchy Eggplant and was immediately hooked. The outer coating was perfectly crisp and golden brown, while the inside was tender and flavorful. The combination of the savory eggplant with the tangy tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella cheese was simply divine.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I asked the nonna if she would be willing to share her recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She took me under her wing, teaching me the ins and outs of preparing the perfect Crunchy Eggplant.

The secret, she told me, lay in the preparation of the eggplant itself. I learned that it was crucial to slice the eggplant thinly and salt it generously to draw out any bitterness. After letting it sit for a while, I would rinse off the salt and pat the slices dry before dipping them in a light batter and frying them until they were crispy and golden.

Next came the assembly. I would layer the fried eggplant slices in a baking dish, alternating with spoonfuls of tomato sauce and slices of fresh mozzarella. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top added the perfect finishing touch.

As I followed the nonna's instructions, I could feel her guiding hand and warm presence beside me. She was a master in the kitchen, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.

After the dish was assembled, I popped it into the oven to bake until the cheese was melted and bubbly. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

When the Crunchy Eggplant was finally ready, I served it up to Maria and my family with a sense of pride. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bites, and I knew that I had truly captured the essence of that magical meal in Rome.

From that moment on, Crunchy Eggplant became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, always receiving rave reviews from those lucky enough to taste it.

As the years passed, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it uniquely my own. But no matter how I prepared it, the Crunchy Eggplant always brought back memories of that fateful day in Rome and the kind nonna who had shared her secrets with me.

Now, as I pass down the recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find as much joy and satisfaction in making Crunchy Eggplant as I have. May it become a beloved tradition in your own kitchen, connecting you to the past and creating new memories for the future. Buon appetito!