How to fry an aubergine
Aubergines, also known as eggplants, are versatile vegetables that can be used in a variety of dishes. One delicious way to enjoy them is by frying them until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside, while remaining soft and creamy on the inside.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of frying an aubergine to perfection.
To start, you will need a fresh aubergine. Look for aubergines that are firm to the touch and have smooth, shiny skin. Avoid aubergines that have soft spots or wrinkles.
Once you have chosen your aubergine, wash it thoroughly under running water. Pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Next, remove the stem and slice the aubergine into rounds, about half an inch thick. If you prefer, you can also cut it into strips or cubes.
After cutting the aubergine, place the slices on a plate and sprinkle generously with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step will help remove excess moisture from the aubergine and prevent them from becoming soggy when fried.
While the aubergine slices are sitting, you can prepare the frying oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil or vegetable oil. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
Once the oil is hot, take the aubergine slices and rinse them under running water to remove the excess salt. Make sure to pat them dry again with a clean towel. This step is important to prevent the oil from splattering when you add the slices to the pan.
Carefully place the aubergine slices in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the slices.
Step 1: Choosing a Fresh Aubergine
Before you start frying an aubergine, it is important to choose a fresh and ripe one. Here are some tips on how to select the perfect aubergine:
1. Look for a shiny and smooth skin
Choose an aubergine with a shiny and smooth skin. Avoid those with wrinkled or dull skin as they may not be as fresh.
2. Check for firmness
The aubergine should feel firm and not mushy when gently pressed. Avoid ones that are too soft as they might be overripe.
It is important to note that smaller aubergines tend to be less bitter than larger ones, so if you prefer a milder taste, go for the smaller ones.
Remember: The fresher the aubergine, the better it will taste in your fried dishes!
Step 2: Slicing the Aubergine
Once you have washed and dried the aubergine, it’s time to slice it. Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the aubergine using a sharp knife.
Next, stand the aubergine upright on one of the flat ends and slice it down the middle lengthwise, creating two equal halves.
With the cut sides down on the cutting board, slice each half lengthwise into thin even slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Tips for slicing:
Make sure to use a sharp knife to make clean cuts through the aubergine skin.
Try to maintain even and consistent thickness while slicing to ensure even cooking.
Cooking: Frying the Aubergine
When it comes to cooking aubergines, frying is a popular and delicious choice. Frying the aubergines gives them a crispy texture and enhances their natural flavors. In this article, we will guide you through the process of frying an aubergine perfectly.
Ingredients:
Before we begin, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 aubergine
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Follow these step-by-step instructions to fry the aubergine:
- Start by rinsing the aubergine and patting it dry with a paper towel. Trim off the stem and slice the aubergine into round slices of about 1/4-inch thickness.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and ground black pepper. Coat each aubergine slice with the flour mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the coated aubergine slices into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Once fried, transfer the aubergine slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining aubergine slices, adding more vegetable oil if necessary.
- Serve the fried aubergine slices as a side dish, or in sandwiches, wraps, or alongside your favorite main dish.
Now you know how to fry an aubergine to perfection. Enjoy the crispy and flavorful results of this cooking method!
Step 1: Seasoning the Aubergine Slices
Before frying your aubergine slices, it’s essential to season them properly to enhance the flavor and bring out their natural juices. Follow this step to ensure a mouth-watering result.
Gather Your Ingredients
To season the aubergine slices, you will need:
- Fresh aubergines
- Ground sea salt
- Ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
Prepare and Season the Aubergine Slices
1. Start by rinsing the aubergines under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel.
2. Slice the aubergines into about 1/2-inch thick rounds or lengthwise strips, depending on your preference.
3. Lay the aubergine slices in a single layer on a clean surface or tray.
4. Sprinkle a generous amount of ground sea salt over the aubergine slices to draw out excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
5. Let the slices sit for about 15 minutes. During this time, you’ll notice droplets of moisture forming on the surface of the slices. This step is helpful if you want to reduce the oil absorption during frying.
6. After the resting period, wipe away the excess moisture and salt using a paper towel.
7. Now, it’s time to season the aubergine slices with ground black pepper to add a nice kick of spiciness.
8. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the slices, making sure to coat each evenly.
Now that your aubergine slices are properly seasoned, you’re ready to fry them to perfection. Move on to the next step to learn how to cook them to crispy goodness.
Step 2: Heating the Pan
Once you have sliced the aubergine, it’s time to heat the pan. Choosing the right pan is crucial for achieving the perfect result. A non-stick frying pan is highly recommended as it will prevent the aubergine slices from sticking to the surface.
Place the frying pan on a stove burner and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the pan to heat up for a few minutes until it becomes hot.
While the pan is heating up, you can add some olive oil to the pan, just enough to coat the bottom. This will help the aubergine slices cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Once the pan is heated and the oil is added, carefully add the sliced aubergine to the pan in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan as this will result in uneven cooking.
Allow the aubergine slices to cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they become golden brown. Flip them with a spatula or tongs to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Once the aubergine slices are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining slices until all the aubergine is fried.
Your perfectly fried aubergine slices are now ready to be served as a delicious side dish, or you can use them as a topping for sandwiches or salads. Enjoy!
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