Fried Eggplants with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Eggplants are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of dishes, but one of the tastiest and simplest ways to prepare them is by frying them and pairing them with a delicious homemade tomato sauce. This recipe brings together the crispy texture of fried eggplants and the rich, tangy flavor of tomato sauce for a meal that’s both satisfying and visually appealing. It's a great option for a main course or as a flavorful side dish for any meal.

Let’s explore this delightful recipe for fried eggplants with tomato sauce, which will guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you create a perfect dish with a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful inside. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, making it easy to prepare without any special ingredients or techniques.

Ingredients:

For the Fried Eggplants:

• 2 medium-sized eggplants
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Olive oil for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Eggplants:

1. Slice the Eggplants: Start by washing the eggplants thoroughly. Slice them into rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. If you prefer a thinner or thicker texture, you can adjust the thickness of the slices accordingly. Lay the slices on a tray or plate.

2. Salt the Eggplants: Sprinkle salt over both sides of the eggplant slices. This will help draw out excess moisture and any bitterness the eggplant may have. Let the eggplants sit for about 20-30 minutes, then use a paper towel to pat them dry.

Breading the Eggplants:

3. Prepare the Coating: In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station. In one bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

4. Bread the Eggplant Slices: Take each eggplant slice and dip it first in the flour, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the slice into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, coat the slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the eggplant. Repeat this process with all the slices.

Frying the Eggplants:

5. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the eggplant slices. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread or breadcrumb into it; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

6. Fry the Eggplant: Carefully place the breaded eggplant slices into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a golden-brown color and become crispy. Use tongs to flip the slices to ensure even cooking on both sides.

7. Drain the Fried Eggplants: Once fried, transfer the eggplant slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help keep the eggplant crispy while you finish frying the rest.

Making the Tomato Sauce:

8. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

9. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Add the sugar, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the sauce and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

10. Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a little more sugar. For more acidity, a dash of vinegar or extra tomatoes can be added.

Serving the Fried Eggplants with Tomato Sauce:

11. Plate the Eggplants: Once both the eggplants and sauce are ready, it’s time to serve. On a serving plate, spoon a generous amount of the tomato sauce onto the bottom. Arrange the fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce.

12. Garnish: For a fresh and fragrant finish, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation.

13. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the fried eggplants with tomato sauce warm, and enjoy them as a main dish or a side. You can serve this dish with some crusty bread, rice, or your favorite grain to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Baking Instead of Frying: If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can bake the eggplant slices instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and drizzle them with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

• Spicy Tomato Sauce: To add a bit of heat to the tomato sauce, you can include red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic.

• Additional Toppings: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta on top of the dish just before serving. These cheeses add a salty and rich element to the already flavorful dish.

• Using Different Herbs: While basil and parsley are classic garnishes, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, depending on your taste preferences.

Conclusion:

Fried eggplants with tomato sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that combines crispy textures and bold, savory flavors. Whether you’re making this as a comforting main course or a side dish to accompany other favorites, it’s sure to impress both in taste and presentation. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. With its rich tomato sauce and crispy eggplants, this dish will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection!