Frittelle di Melanzane (Eggplant Fritters)

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Frittelle di Melanzane

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Colander
• Paper towels
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon
• Mixing spoon
• Cooking thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 medium eggplant about 1 pound
• 1 cup all-purpose flour can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying or vegetable oil

Instructions

 

• Instructions
• Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
• Slice the Eggplant: Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Salt the Eggplant: Place the cubes in a colander, sprinkle generously with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness. After 10 minutes, rinse the eggplant with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
• Step 2: Make the Fritter Batter
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Add Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add them to the dry mixture. Stir until combined.
• Incorporate Eggplant: Fold the drained and dried eggplant cubes into the batter until evenly coated.
• Step 3: Fry the Fritters
• Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium heat. You can check if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle.
• Fry the Fritters: Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the batter and gently place them into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
• Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Step 4: Serve
• Enjoy: Serve the frittelle warm, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• Variations
• Spicy Fritters: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Fritters: Mix in other herbs like basil or oregano for additional flavor.
• Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
  

Keyword Frittelle di Melanzane

Frittelle di Melanzane, or eggplant fritters, are a deliciously crispy treat that showcases the rich flavors of eggplant combined with a few simple ingredients. These fritters are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. From my own personal experience, I’ve found that the key to perfect frittelle lies in the preparation of the eggplant, ensuring that it’s seasoned just right and cooked to golden perfection. Let me show you how I make these tasty bites.

Notes on What to Expect

These frittelle are wonderfully crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delightful flavor from the eggplant and herbs. They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be reheated in an oven to retain their crispiness.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes (for draining)
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4 (about 12 fritters)
• Calories: Approximately 120 per fritter
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Appetizer

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Colander
• Paper towels
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon
• Mixing spoon
• Cooking thermometer (optional)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Frittelle di Melanzane  now.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying (or vegetable oil)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Frittelle di Melanzane  now.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

1. Slice the Eggplant: Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes.
2. Salt the Eggplant: Place the cubes in a colander, sprinkle generously with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness. After 10 minutes, rinse the eggplant with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Fritter Batter

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add them to the dry mixture. Stir until combined.
5. Incorporate Eggplant: Fold the drained and dried eggplant cubes into the batter until evenly coated.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

6. Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium heat. You can check if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle.
7. Fry the Fritters: Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the batter and gently place them into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
8. Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Serve

9. Enjoy: Serve the frittelle warm, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Variations

• Spicy Fritters: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Fritters: Mix in other herbs like basil or oregano for additional flavor.
• Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Tips and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or omit it altogether for a lighter version.
• Baking Alternative: For a healthier option, you can bake the fritters at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Frittelle di Melanzane  now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 120
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Frittelle di Melanzane seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!