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Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries With Marinara Dipping Sauce - Mediterranean recipe
I started making these eggplant fries when I was looking for a healthier alternative to regular fries that would still satisfy that crispy, salty craving. You know how eggplant can be tricky sometimes, getting soggy or bitter? Well, I figured out a few tricks that make these come out perfectly crispy every time. The key is in the prep work. I salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out the moisture and any bitterness. Then I pat them completely dry before breading. The breading station has three parts: flour seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs with a bit of parmesan cheese. That cheese adds incredible flavor and helps with the browning. What really makes these work is baking them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This lets air circulate all around the fries so they get crispy on all sides, not just the top. I brush them lightly with olive oil before baking, which gives them that golden color you want. They bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, and I flip them halfway through. These eggplant fries are perfect as an appetizer when you're having people over, or as a side dish with dinner. The marinara sauce is simple but really good with fresh basil and a touch of honey to balance the acidity. I've served these at Shabbat dinners and they disappear fast. They're also great for kids who might be hesitant about vegetables.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 185
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Eggplant Fries
  • 2 large eggplants about 2 pounds total
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt for salting eggplant
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
For the Marinara Sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Eggplant
  1. Wash and trim the eggplants. Cut them into fry-shaped sticks, about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
  2. Place the eggplant sticks in a large colander and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Toss to coat evenly and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. After 20 minutes, rinse the eggplant thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy fries.
Make the Marinara Sauce
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and salt. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in fresh basil and honey. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Bread and Bake the Fries
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Set a wire rack on a large baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. Set up your breading station: In one dish, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
  3. Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge each eggplant stick in flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Arrange the breaded eggplant fries on the wire rack, making sure they don't touch each other.
  5. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and brush the other side with oil. Bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

For extra crispy fries, you can double-bread them by dipping in egg and breadcrumbs twice. Store leftover fries in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. The marinara sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per recipe
Serving size 1 serving
Calories 185
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 55mg 18%
Sodium 520mg 23%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 8g 16%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.