Crispy Eggplant Sticks (Baked or Fried)

These Crispy Eggplant Sticks are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, these eggplant sticks are sure to be a hit with their crispy coating and tender interior. Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking oil, for frying (if frying)
• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

Preparation:

1. Cut the Eggplant: Begin by cutting the eggplant into sticks, approximately 3 inches long and ½ inch thick. This size ensures that the eggplant cooks through while providing a good surface area for the crispy coating.
2. Set Up Dredging Stations: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dredge the Eggplant: Coat each eggplant stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.

For Baking:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the Eggplant: Place the coated eggplant sticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the eggplant sticks are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through the baking time.

For Frying:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the eggplant sticks.
2. Fry the Eggplant: Once the oil is hot, fry the eggplant sticks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain: Remove the fried eggplant sticks from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Serving:

Serve the Crispy Eggplant Sticks hot, with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired. They make for a delightful appetizer or snack that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Enjoy your homemade crispy eggplant sticks, a treat that’s sure to please any crowd!