Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Italy without leaving your kitchen? Discover the irresistible delight of "Melanzane in Carrozza," a mouthwatering dish that transforms humble eggplants into golden, crispy sandwiches bursting with flavor! This Italian classic is not just a recipe; it's an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in this cheesy, savory treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 4 slices of bread
- 200g mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the eggplants. Wash and slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick slices. Sprinkle salt over the slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
- After 15 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt and pat them dry with paper towels.
- While the eggplants are resting, prepare the other ingredients. Slice the mozzarella cheese into thin pieces, and set aside.
- Take the slices of bread and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference for size. You can use any type of bread, but a crusty white bread works best.
- Set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second dish, beat the eggs and add a pinch of salt. In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
- To assemble the melanzane in carrozza, take one slice of bread and layer it with a slice of eggplant and a slice of mozzarella. Top it with another slice of bread to create a sandwich.
- Once the sandwiches are assembled, dip each sandwich first into the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the sandwich in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all sandwiches.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. You will need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan generously.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded sandwiches in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Allow the melanzane in carrozza to cool slightly before slicing them into halves or quarters for serving. Serve warm, optionally with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips
- Choose the Right Eggplants: Opt for medium-sized, firm eggplants with smooth skin. This will ensure they have the right texture and flavor for frying.
- Salt the Eggplants: Don’t skip the salting step! This process helps to draw out moisture and bitterness, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best taste and texture, use fresh mozzarella. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness to your sandwiches.
- Breading Technique: Make sure to coat each sandwich thoroughly in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This will create a crispy crust that holds up during frying.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Ensure the olive oil is hot enough before adding the sandwiches. If the oil isn’t hot, the breading can absorb too much oil and become soggy instead of crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the sandwiches in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Serve with a Twist: For an extra kick, serve your Melanzane in Carrozza with a side of spicy marinara sauce or a sprinkle of fresh basil for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
