Crispy Spicy Eggplant Food

CRISPY EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Mix first 3 ingredients and set aside.
• Mix crumbs, Parmesan and Italian seasoning together and set aside.
• Wash and dry eggplant and slice into 1/2 inch slices. Spread each slice with mayonnaise mixture on both sides and roll in crumb mixture on both sides.
• Place on a baking sheet and bake at 425º for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

CRISPY SZECHUAN-STYLE EGGPLANT AND TOFU

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, combine 2/3 cup of the cornstarch, the salt and pepper. Toss the eggplant pieces in the cornstarch mixture to coat, shaking off the excess; set aside. Repeat the process with the tofu.
• Heat 1/2 inch of the peanut oil in a large, deep, straight-sided skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Working in batches, cook the eggplant first, tossing gently until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining eggplant and the tofu.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, lime juice and remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch.
• Carefully drain the oil from the skillet, and wipe out any residue using paper towels held with tongs. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ginger, about 1 teaspoon of the minced chiles (or to taste) and the garlic. Cook, stirring, until just fragrant, about 30 seconds; pour in the chicken stock mixture and bring it to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the cooked eggplant and tofu to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Stir in the sesame oil and remove from the heat. Serve immediately over rice and garnished with the remaining minced chiles if desired and chopped cilantro.

CRISPY EGGPLANT AND CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds. Slice the rounds into quarters, so that you have wedge-shaped eggplant pieces. Lay the slices on a sheet pan covered in paper towels. Sprinkle the eggplant with salt and let sit while you are preparing the chickpeas.
• Heat some oil, coming about halfway up the side of a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, until the oil is 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a cooling rack and paper towels.
• Mix the garam masala, cumin, granulated garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the mixture over the chickpeas and toss until coated. Carefully lower the chickpeas into the oil using a slotted spoon. Fry, stirring frequently, until they are deep brown and crispy, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chickpeas to the paper towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with another tablespoon of the spice mixture and some salt.
• Transfer the eggplant slices to a dry paper towel and dab until very dry. Sprinkle the eggplant on both sides with the remaining spice mixture. Add the eggplant to the oil in batches, only adding a few at a time. Fry the eggplant, flipping and turning frequently until they are a deep golden brown and crispy on the edges, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Serve the eggplant chips and crispy chickpeas warm or at room temperature.

CRISPY EGGPLANT WITH SPICY TOMATO FETA CHEESE SAUCE

Steps:

• Place eggplant slices on a baking sheet.
• Lightly salt eggplant.
• Let stand for 10 minutes.
• Pat dry with paper towels.
• In a shallow bowl combine the eggs and milk.
• In another shallow bowl stir together the Parmesan cheese, wheat germ, basil, and pepper.
• Dip the eggplant slices in egg mixture, then into wheat germ mixture, turning to coat both sides.
• Place the coated slices in a single layer on a greased baking sheet and bake, uncovered at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or till the eggplant is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Meanwhile, for sauce, in a medium saucepan combine the spaghetti sauce and ground red pepper- Cook over medium heat till heated through.
• To serve, place several slices of eggplant on individual plates, then spoon tomato sauce over eggplant and sprinkle with feta or blue cheese and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.