Eggplant panzerotti
Eggplant panzerotti, also known as eggplant turnovers, are delicious bite-sized treats featuring eggplant slices filled with a flavorful mixture and then baked or fried until golden. Here’s a simple recipe for making eggplant panzerotti:
Ingredients:
FOR THE FILLING:
- 1 large eggplant, thinly sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
FOR THE COATING:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
FOR SERVING:
- Marinara sauce or tomato dipping sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the eggplant slices are tender. Remove and let them cool.
- Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Panzerotti:
- Take a slice of roasted eggplant and place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on one end. Fold the eggplant over to create a turnover or pocket. Repeat with the remaining slices and filling.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In one bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, beat two eggs.
- Coat the Panzerotti:
- Dip each eggplant turnover into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well-coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Bake or Fry:
- Bake: Place the coated panzerotti on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Fry: Alternatively, you can heat oil in a skillet and fry the panzerotti until golden on both sides.
- Serve:
- Serve the eggplant panzerotti warm with marinara sauce or a tomato dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Variations: You can customize the filling by adding ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or spinach for extra flavor.
- Baking vs. Frying: Baking is a healthier option, but frying will give you a crispier texture. Choose the method that suits your preference.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the panzerotti ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake or fry.
Enjoy these eggplant panzerotti as a tasty appetizer or a delightful snack!