Tired of eggplants that are too mushy or oily? You’re in luck, we have the solution! These oven-baked breaded eggplant slices without frying are exactly what you need to give a boost to your dinners. The best part? No need to bring out the deep fryer and turn your kitchen into a sauna.
Why choose baking instead of frying?
First of all, baking is much lighter than frying. You don’t need to drown your vegetables in oil to get a crispy texture. Plus, you avoid those frying odors that linger everywhere and follow you around even when you don’t want them. Here, it’s simple: golden, flavorful, and crispy slices, without a drop of excess oil.
The recipe for crispy eggplant slices
Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s how to make these famous eggplant slices. I assure you, even if you’re not a master chef, it’s within everyone’s reach.
What you’ll need:
- 1 large eggplant (about 450g)
- For the batter:
- 100g flour
- 120ml plant-based milk (or animal milk if you prefer)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 pinches of salt
- For the breadcrumb coating:
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it?
- Cut your eggplant into 1-centimeter thick slices. Not too thin, or they will melt away in the oven!
- In a shallow plate, mix all the batter ingredients. Then, prepare another plate with the breadcrumb coating ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C.
- Dip each slice in the batter, then in the breadcrumb coating. Make sure they are well coated on both sides.
- Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes. A little secret: halfway through baking, flip them over and brush them with oil to make them even crispier. And that’s it!
Benefits of baking instead of frying
Baked eggplant slices are not only healthier, but they also help to preserve all the flavors of the eggplant without drowning them in oil. You enjoy a light dish that won’t make you feel guilty.
Some benefits of this method:
- Lightness: Less oil, fewer calories, but just as much pleasure!
- Less odor: No lingering frying smell in the kitchen for two days.
- Guaranteed crispiness: Thanks to the breadcrumb coating and a little oil halfway through baking.
How to serve them?
These eggplant slices go well with anything! You can serve them with rice for a quick and balanced dinner, or even offer them as an appetizer with a spicy sauce, like Colombian aji, to impress your guests. If you prefer a milder taste, a little mint yogurt sauce will also do the trick.
Variety is the spice of life!
Another idea? If you want to change it up, why not try this recipe with butternut squash? The process is exactly the same, and the result is just as tasty. You’ll get crispy, slightly sweet slices, perfect for autumn. Plus, you can vary the sauces: instead of aji, why not try a good mushroom forest sauce?
Tips for perfect slices
Here are some tips to ensure your eggplant slices are always top-notch:
- Don’t slice them too thin: or they may dry out in the oven.
- Don’t skip the oil halfway through baking: it gives them the golden and crispy texture you’re expecting.
- Nutritional yeast in the breadcrumb coating is a must to add a touch of umami flavor that makes all the difference.
Let your creativity run wild!
What’s great about this recipe is that you can adapt it endlessly. Change the spices, try it with other vegetables like zucchinis or even mushrooms to add variety. You’ll see, your guests will be impressed by your culinary talents.
The little extra that makes a difference
For an even more enjoyable experience, serve your eggplant slices with a homemade sauce. And here, anything goes! A yogurt and mint sauce for a fresh touch, or a spicy tomato sauce for a bit more punch. Whatever you choose, it will be a hit!
A little something extra?
If you’re looking for original autumn recipes, this method also works wonders with seasonal vegetables. Imagine a plate of breaded butternut squash, accompanied by a mushroom forest sauce? It already smells like autumn and comforting dishes, doesn’t it?
Feel free to share your creations and try different combinations. That’s the beauty of cooking: enjoying yourself and experimenting!
Your turn to play!
Ready to enjoy these oven-baked breaded eggplant slices? Give it a try, and let me know what you think. And if you liked this recipe, why not share it with your friends on social media? Plus, you might find plenty of other ideas to impress your guests!
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!
