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

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