Parmesan and Panko Crusted Eggplant with Comeback Dipping Sauce

When prepared correctly, there is a buttery quality to the eggplant in this recipe. These should be served immediately. Comeback sauce is the perfect accompaniment; the pepper jelly dipping sauce would work well, too. Panko bread crumbs are also called Japanese bread crumbs. They are perfect for this recipe as they add texture and crunch.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant, cut into 3-inch long squared sticks, (3 inches x 1 /2-inch x 1 /2-inch) about the size of a forefinger.

1 Tbsp kosher salt

1 cup seasoned flour page

1 cup egg wash (3 eggs beaten with 1/4 cup water)

1 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs

2 tsp black pepper

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley

Vegetable or peanut oil for frying

Instructions

Place cut up eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with the kosher salt. Allow the eggplant to drain for one hour.

Preheat oil in a fryer or deep cast iron skillet to 350.

Three-bowl breading procedure: Place seasoned flour in the first bowl, egg wash in the second, and breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley and black pepper in the third.

Dredge eggplant sticks in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, then into breadcrumb mixture. Coat eggplant sticks thoroughly.

Fry eggplant sticks four to six at a time until golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain Serve with Comeback Sauce.

Yield: 25-30 sticks

Recent Recipes

Braised Beef Short Ribs with Smoked Gouda Grits

I am a huge fan of short rib entrees. They work especially well for large dinners as the doneness is all the same and no one has to worry about who prefers rare and who prefers medium. Plus, the bone acts as a conductor of heat, keeping it warm for longer. Smoked gouda adds depth and creaminess to grits. This version was created by Chef Nevil Barr, New South Restaurant Group’s Chief Culinary Officer. It’s made an appearance on the Crescent City Grill menu and we often use it for catering large groups (if multiplying the recipe for large groups, go easy on the salt and Creole seasoning, you can always add more at the end).

Banana Nut French Toast

Start your morning off right with this indulgent Banana Nut French Toast recipe — a delicious twist on a breakfast classic. Made with thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy cinnamon-vanilla custard, then topped with caramelized bananas and crunchy toasted pecans, this easy French toast is the perfect way to bring warmth and flavor to your table.

Apple French Toast

French toast has been a favorite since childhood—probably one of the first things I could make on my own. Pancakes were my grandmother Muz’s domain, but French toast was all mine. King’s Hawaiian Bread is always a solid choice, but if you can find a bakery that makes fresh brioche or sweet sourdough, grab it. Never been shy about my love for apples, especially Honey Crisp and Fuji. Apple pie’s always been my go-to, but this recipe takes the best part of apple pie and turns it into breakfast.

RobertStJohn.com