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CRISPY EGGPLANT PATTIES — CREAMY INSIDE, GOLDEN CRUNCHY OUTSIDE

CRISPY EGGPLANT PATTIES — CREAMY INSIDE, GOLDEN CRUNCHY OUTSIDE

CRISPY EGGPLANT PATTIES — CREAMY INSIDE, GOLDEN CRUNCHY OUTSIDE

Enjoy the pleasant contrast of a soft, almost creamy interior with a super crispy exterior in these delicious eggplant patties. Perfect as a snack or alongside a fresh tomato salad, and even better the next day warmed in a simple Italian tomato sauce.


🕒 Prep Time: 20 min

⏲️ Cook Time: 40 min
🍽️ Yields: 20 patties


Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant (about 500–600 g)
  • 5 heaping tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 bunch parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • Breadcrumbs (for binding and coating)
  • Oil (for frying and brushing eggplant)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the Eggplant

  • Cut the eggplant lengthwise in half. Score the flesh in a diamond pattern with the tip of a knife.
  • Sprinkle the flesh generously with salt and brush lightly with oil.
  • Roast in a preheated oven at maximum temperature (around 250°C / 480°F) for about 35 minutes, until the flesh is soft and golden brown.
  • Scoop out the softened flesh with a wide wooden spoon and drain in a sieve for about 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Patty Mixture

  • Finely chop the drained eggplant flesh.
  • Mix in the beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley and basil, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  • Gradually add breadcrumbs, 2–3 tablespoons at a time, until the mixture can be easily shaped (about 8 tablespoons total).

3. Shape and Fry

  • Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
  • Coat each patty lightly with breadcrumbs.
  • Heat plenty of oil until very hot and fry the patties until golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes.

4. Serve

  • Serve warm or at room temperature the same day, ideally accompanied by a fresh tomato salad.
  • Leftovers can be reheated the next day simmered gently in a simple Italian tomato sauce for extra flavor.

💡 Tips

  • Roasting the eggplant at high temperature concentrates its flavor and ensures a creamy interior.
  • Adding breadcrumbs gradually helps you control the texture without making the patties too dry.
  • Fry in plenty of hot oil to get a crisp crust without absorbing excess oil.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Vegetarian appetizers or snacks
  • Light lunch or dinner side dish
  • Pairing with fresh salads or tomato sauces

📝 Final Thoughts

These crispy eggplant patties offer a delightful balance of textures — a tender, rich inside and a satisfyingly crunchy outside. Their savory Parmesan and fresh herbs flavor profile makes them incredibly versatile and delicious, perfect for sharing with family and friends.