Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Simple Supper

From our Kitchen -


Here's what we had Sunday night

Italian Eggplant

You'll need
1 large eggplant
2-3 egg whites
Italian Bread crumbs
Your favorite sauce
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil

First prepare your sauce
I used Bertolli tomato sauce

.......and because my hubby doesn't think it's
a meal unless there is meat involved
we added sweet italian sausage and a few
spices to our sauce 


Next,
Now you are ready to slice your eggplant
(about 1/8" thick)
We use our Mandoline
The French use these to cut or slice fruits and vegetables
However, if you don't have one a
knife will do, just be carefull!!
Next, you'll need
a bowl, add your egg whites
and gently whisk
Get another bowl for your
Italian bread crumbs
Dip slices of eggplant in egg whites
then dredge in bread crumbs


Add a little olive oil (enough to
coat the bottom of your skillet
Preferably a cast iron skillet!!

Bring your skillet to medium heat
and add your coated egg plant slices
toast on both sides until medium brown
When you have all of your eggplant slices
cooked, your ready to serve
We like to stack ours in layers
using sauce and parmesan cheese
between the layers and on top.
Kind of like Lasagna!

Add a good salad, maybe some crusty bread,
and of course WINE and enjoy!!



One of my favorite cookbooks
"The New Southern Basics"
has a little different spin-

Fried Eggplant
1 large eggplant
3 eggs
3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup vegetable oil
salt to taste

Peel the eggplant and cut into finger-size pieces.  Sprinkle heavily with salt and place in a colander to drain for 1 hour.  This rids the eggplant of any bitter juices.  Press lightly on the eggplant to drain.  Beat the eggs. Mix the breadcrumbs with the seasonings and place in a plate.  Drop the eggplant fingers in the egg and roll each in the bread crumbs to coat.  Place coated fingers on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.  This makes the breading adhere.  In a deep skillet heat the oil to 325 degrees or almost smoking.  Fry the chilled eggplant fingers a few at a time until browned on all sides.  Drain on clean brown paper bags. 
Sprinkle with salt and serve hot!!

Pick your favorite or try them both!!

Every Little Birdie says -
Happy Cooking and Bon Appetit

1 comment:

  1. Hi Marsha,
    You Italian Eggplant dish looks so yummy! I'm going to try the recipe when I get home. The little bit of your kitchen that I see looks wonderful. I like your range and countertop.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete