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Spaghettini With Fried Eggplant

Spaghettini With Fried Eggplant recipe image
This hearty Italian-inspired dish features tender spaghettini tossed in a warm, savory tomato sauce and crowned with crispy, golden-brown fried eggplant strips. The eggplant is salted to draw out bitterness, then breaded and deep-fried for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pasta. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual family meal, this recipe brings rustic home-style cooking to your table. It&# 226;ÂÂs simple to prepare using pantry staples and fresh vegetables, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 1
Calories: 6.2
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Italian-inspired dish features tender spaghettini tossed in a warm, savory tomato sauce and crowned with crispy, golden-brown fried eggplant strips. The eggplant is salted to draw out bitterness, then breaded and deep-fried for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pasta. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual family meal, this recipe brings rustic home-style cooking to your table. It&# 226;ÂÂs simple to prepare using pantry staples and fresh vegetables, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
  • 1 md Eggplant
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Directions
  1. 1
    Cut the eggplant into 1/8-inch slices, then cut those slices into 1-inch strips.
  2. 2
    Place the eggplant strips in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
  3. 3
    Weight the eggplant with a plate and a heavy weight (3-4 lbs) for 2-3 hours to drain out water, discarding the liquid as it accumulates.
  4. 4
    Rinse the salt off the eggplant and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  5. 5
    Pour oil into a heavy skillet to a depth of 2 inches and heat to 360ðF (182ðC).
  6. 6
    Combine flour and black pepper in a plastic bag; add the dried eggplant strips and shake until evenly coated.
  7. 7
    Dip the floured eggplant strips into lightly beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.
  8. 8
    Roll the egg-coated strips in fresh bread crumbs until well covered.
  9. 9
    Fry the breaded eggplant strips in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, turning as needed.
  10. 10
    Remove fried eggplant from oil and drain on paper towels.
  11. 11
    Cook spaghettini according to package directions until al dente; drain.
  12. 12
    Heat the tomato sauce in a separate pan until warm.
  13. 13
    Serve the cooked spaghettini topped with the warm tomato sauce, fried eggplant strips, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 6.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 7313.2mg305%
Total Carbohydrate 1.5g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
Sugars 0.9g
Protein 0.2g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a vegan variation, omit the eggs and Parmesan cheese. Use a plant-based milk or aquafaba mixed with a little flour as a binder for the breading, and top with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Safety: Be cautious when handling hot oil. Use a deep, heavy skillet to prevent splattering. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying.

Storage: Leftover fried eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness, as microwaving will make them soggy.

Tip: You can use your own favorite homemade tomato sauce or a high-quality store-bought sauce for this recipe.

Ingredient Note: While the original ingredient list only specifies eggplant and salt, this recipe requires peanut or vegetable oil, all-purpose flour, black pepper, eggs, fresh bread crumbs, tomato sauce, spaghettini, and Parmesan cheese for the complete preparation described in the directions.

Keywords: eggplant, fried eggplant, spaghettini, pasta, italian, tomato sauce, parmesan, breading, deep fried, vegetarian, dinner, comfort food, eggplant parmesan, pasta dish, home cooking, crispy, savory
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/spaghettini-with-fried-eggplant/