Eggplant unveiled: Culinary gem with health benefits
Eggplant, also known as the "love pear," is a vegetable with exceptional nutritional value and versatile culinary applications. Discover how to prepare pan-fried eggplant to delight in its taste and aroma.
Eggplant, often underestimated in Canadian cuisine, is a true culinary treasure. Its delicate flavour and richness in nutrients make it worth including in your daily menu. In world cuisines, especially in Mediterranean cuisine, eggplant is an indispensable element of many dishes.
Eggplant is low in calories, rich in fibre, vitamins C and K, and minerals such as calcium and potassium. Because of this, it supports heart health, aids in weight loss, and protects against cancer. It's a vegetable worth having in your diet.
How to prepare eggplant?
Choosing the right eggplant is the first step to success. Look for fruits with smooth, glossy skin, free of blemishes and damage. The eggplant should be firm and heavy for its size.
Before frying, the eggplant needs to be properly prepared. Cut it into slices about 1 centimetre thick, salt it, and leave it for about 30 minutes. This will remove the bitterness and improve the taste.
Recipes for pan-fried eggplant
Breaded Eggplant
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- 40 grams (1.4 oz) of Parmesan cheese
- 80 grams (2.8 oz) of breadcrumbs
- 50 grams (1.8 oz) of flour
- 2 eggs
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Method:
- Slice the eggplant into approximately 1-centimetre thick slices and salt each one. Place them in a colander and cover with a weight for 45-60 minutes.
- Rinse the eggplant slices, then dry them with a cloth or paper towel.
- On a plate, sprinkle flour, beat the eggs with salt and pepper, and mix the breadcrumbs with finely grated cheese.
- Bread the eggplant slices in flour, egg, and the breadcrumb-cheese mixture.
- Fry the prepared eggplant slices in well-heated oil.
- Serve them sprinkled with salt.
Eggplant with additions
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) of bacon slices
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) of Gouda cheese slices
- 1 egg
- Wheat flour
- Bread crumbs
- Olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to fry eggplant in a pan? tips
For frying eggplant, it's best to use a pan with a non-stick coating. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or olive oil. Heat the pan over medium heat.
Fry the eggplant on both sides until it becomes golden and crispy. Remember not to overdo it with the amount of oil, as eggplant easily absorbs it. After frying, drain the slices on a paper towel.
