Get ready to transform the humble eggplant into a mouthwatering Southern delicacy that will shock your taste buds and impress your dinner guests! This unique fried eggplant recipe breaks all the rules by combining a perfectly crispy, golden exterior with a surprising dusting of sweet confectioners sugar. Imagine biting into a crunchy, savory slice that unexpectedly melts into a delicate sweetness - it's a culinary adventure that bridges the gap between appetizer and dessert, guaranteed to make your palate dance with excitement!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
- Confectioners sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Wash the eggplant thoroughly and slice it into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds. Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Create a uniform coating mixture for the eggplant slices.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan with about 1/4 inch depth.
- Dredge each eggplant slice completely in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even, light coating on both sides. Gently shake off any excess flour.
- Carefully place the coated eggplant slices into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried eggplant slices using a slotted spatula and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Once all slices are fried and slightly cooled, use a fine-mesh sifter to generously dust the eggplant with confectioners sugar, creating a delicate, sweet coating.
- Serve immediately while warm, as the crispy texture and sweet dusting are best enjoyed fresh.
Tips
- • Ensure your eggplant slices are completely dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness. • Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for consistent, even frying. • Don't overcrowd the pan - fry in batches to keep the eggplant crisp and prevent soggy results. • Use a fine-mesh sifter for an even, elegant dusting of confectioners sugar. • Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy texture and sweet coating. • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to your flour mixture for a warm, aromatic twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
