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Pan-Fried Eggplant with Cheese

Pan-Fried Eggplant with Cheese
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Pan-Fried Eggplant with Cheese is a quick and easy vegetarian dish combining tender eggplant slices with melty cheese and a crispy golden crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect as an appetizer, side, or main course, delivering comforting flavors with minimal effort. It uses simple pantry staples and fresh produce, making it budget-friendly and ideal for busy days or last-minute meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized fresh eggplants (firm)
  • 1 cup mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), for garnish or mixed into coating
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne powder (for a spicy twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick rounds for even cooking. Sprinkle each slice with salt and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to reduce bitterness. Rinse the slices and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Set Up Your Coating Station: Place flour in one shallow dish. In a second dish, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a third plate, combine grated cheese with garlic powder and optional herbs if using. This setup ensures a crispy, cheesy coating.
  3. Coat the Eggplant Slices: Dip each slice first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with the cheese mixture. Press gently so the cheese adheres well for the best texture.
  4. Heat the Pan and Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated eggplant slices in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness.
  5. Drain and Serve: Place cooked slices on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Salt the eggplant beforehand to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness.
  • Use medium heat when frying to melt the cheese without burning the crust.
  • Press the cheese coating firmly on eggplant slices to ensure even texture and adhesion.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan for optimal crispiness.
  • Use fresh mozzarella or high-quality Parmesan to enhance flavor and meltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan-fried eggplant, cheesy eggplant, vegetarian appetizer, quick eggplant recipe, easy eggplant dish, comfort food

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/pan-fried-eggplant-with-cheese/