Crispy Eggplant with Marinara Sauce

Introduction:

Discover the perfect blend of textures and flavors with this delightful Crispy Eggplant with Marinara Sauce. This vegan dish promises a crispy exterior paired with a lush, tangy sauce, perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and filled with classic Italian flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Ingredients:

For the Eggplant:

• 🍆 2 Italian eggplants
• 🥛 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat) or water
• 🧂 Salt to taste
• 🌶️ Ground black pepper to taste
• 🌶️ 1 tsp paprika powder
• 🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
• 🌶️ 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 🌾 1/2 cup flour
• 🥖 1 cup panko bread crumbs (ensure they’re vegan)
• 🫒 Olive oil for frying
  For the Marinara Sauce:
• 🫒 2 tbsp olive oil
• 🧅 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🍅 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 🍬 1 tsp sugar
• 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
• 🌿 Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Bake Eggplant:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Prick the eggplants with a fork and place them on a baking sheet.
   • Bake until soft, approximately 20-30 minutes.
   • Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, peel off the skin, and flatten gently using a fork or your hand.
2. Prepare Wet Batter:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk or water, a pinch of salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using), and flour until smooth.
3. Coat Eggplant:
   • Dip each flattened eggplant slice into the wet batter, ensuring even coverage.
   • Coat each slice with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Fry Eggplant:
   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Fry the breaded eggplant slices until they are golden brown on both sides.
   • Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Make Marinara Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil.
6. Serve:
   • Arrange the crispy eggplant slices on a serving plate.
   • Serve with a generous portion of the warm marinara sauce.

Additional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Equipment: Oven, Baking sheet, Medium-sized bowl, Pan, Paper towels, Saucepan

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure the eggplant is fully cooked and tender before peeling for the best texture.
• You can adjust the spice level by adding or omitting the chili flakes.
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