Impress your guests with this incredibly delicious eggplant recipe! It’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly, making it the perfect dish for any gathering. The combination of tender eggplant, creamy ricotta, and crunchy walnuts, enhanced with the flavors of dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic, creates a dish that’s sure to delight everyone’s taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- 2 eggs
- 80 g (3 oz) of walnuts
- 1 clove of garlic
- 4-5 dried tomatoes
- 10 basil leaves
- 100 g (4 oz) of ricotta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Slice the eggplant into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Finely chop the walnuts and dried tomatoes.
- Mince the garlic.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, dried tomatoes, minced garlic, ricotta, and finely chopped basil leaves.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In a shallow dish, beat the 2 eggs.
- Assemble the Eggplant Rounds:
- Place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture onto one eggplant slice, then top with another slice to form a sandwich.
- Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and filling.
- Cook the Eggplant:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each eggplant sandwich in the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Fry the eggplant sandwiches in the skillet until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve:
- Arrange the eggplant sandwiches on a serving platter.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired and serve hot.
More Information About the Recipe:
This eggplant recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special gatherings. The combination of creamy ricotta, crunchy walnuts, and the rich flavors of dried tomatoes and basil makes for an unforgettable dish. The eggplant rounds are easy to assemble and cook, making this recipe a quick and satisfying option for entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy hosts.
- Delicious and Impressive: The unique combination of ingredients creates a dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Eggplant: Low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Walnuts: Provide healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Ricotta: A good source of protein and calcium.
- Basil and Garlic: Add flavor while offering various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Conclusion:
This incredibly delicious eggplant recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to wow their guests with minimal effort. Quick, easy, and cheap, it combines the best of flavors and textures to create a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Try it at your next gathering and watch your guests go crazy for it!