RECIPE: Rec: Crispy Eggplant Fritters with Smoked Mozzarella - going to make Sunday

RECIPE:

julie-r-wa

Well-known member
Crispy Eggplant Fritters with Smoked Mozzarella

Bon Appétit, August 2007. Jimmy Bradley

2 large eggplants (2 pounds total)

1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided

olive oil (for brushing and frying)

2 large eggs

3/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

1 1/4 cups plain dry breadcrumbs, divided

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour

4 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese,* cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 20 cubes)

*Also called mozzarella affumicata; available at some specialty foods stores and at cheese shops.

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Cut eggplants crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place on layers of paper towels. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt; let stand 30 minutes. Brush 2 large baking sheets with oil. Pat eggplant dry; arrange in single layer on prepared sheets. Brush lightly with oil. Bake until eggplant is tender and dry, about 1 hour. Cool slightly; chop coarsely.

Whisk 1 egg, grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in medium bowl. Stir in chopped eggplant (mixture will be soft). Spread 1 cup breadcrumbs on plate. Whisk 1 egg and flour in another bowl. Press and shape eggplant mixture into 1 1/4 -inch-diameter balls. Press 1 piece smoked mozzarella into center of each ball, making sure eggplant mixture covers cheese. Dip balls, 1 at a time, into egg batter; roll in breadcrumbs to coat.

Pour enough oil into large skillet to reach depth of 1/4 inch; heat over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add balls to skillet; sauté until browned, turning often, about 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

Makes about 20 fritters.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/239053

 
If you can find Rosa Bianca eggplant, try it

Our local produce store offered "Regina" eggplants on "special" ($.69/pound) so I tried one sauteed in Thai green curry and it was fantastic. When I saw your note, I looked for a picture of the "Regina" and learned that it is actually called "Rosa Bianca" (see link and image). I bought 3 more "Regina's" this week - one for another green curry batch, one for eggplant rotini and the last for briami. All wonderful!

We sliced, salted, and weighted down in paper towels (twice for several hours while I picked up one of the boys from work). Delicate - even creamy - in taste and texture. You will be pleased! Colleen

http://www.nygirleatsworld.com/ny_girl_eats_world/2007/04/rosa_bianca.html

http://www.southernexposure.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=45402&Category_Code=EGGP

 
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