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.