Crispy Eggplant Marinara Bites

Eggplant, with its rich, meaty texture and ability to absorb flavors, stands out as one of the most versatile ingredients in the culinary world. It can be grilled, roasted, sautéed, or fried, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. In recent years, plant-based options have surged in popularity, driven by a growing awareness of health benefits and environmental considerations. As more people seek to incorporate more vegetables into their diets, dishes like Crispy Eggplant Marinara Bites have emerged as deliciously satisfying alternatives that appeal to a broad audience, including both vegetarians and meat-lovers.

Discover the deliciousness of Crispy Eggplant Marinara Bites, a perfect blend of crunchy eggplant and rich marinara sauce. This versatile snack is not only satisfying for vegetarians but also loved by meat-lovers. Packed with nutrients, eggplant is transformed into a crispy treat that's great for appetizers or main dishes. Simple to make, this recipe invites you to enjoy wholesome ingredients and explore the joys of plant-based cooking. Perfect for sharing or indulging!

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Ingredients

1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Olive oil, for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant:

- Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture and bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Set Up Breading Stations:

- In three shallow bowls, set up your breading stations:

- In the first bowl, add the flour.

- In the second bowl, place the beaten eggs.

- In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Bread the Eggplant:

- Take each slice of eggplant and coat it in flour first, shaking off any excess.

- Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.

- Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. Repeat for all eggplant slices.

Fry the Eggplant Bites:

- In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of olive oil over medium-high heat.

- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

- Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serve:

- Arrange the crispy eggplant bites on a serving platter. Warm the marinara sauce in a small pot or microwave. Serve the marinara on the side for dipping, and garnish the bites with fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 1 hr | 4 servings