Description
Eggplant Francaise is a vegetarian twist on the classic Chicken Francaise, featuring crispy, golden-brown eggplant slices coated in a flavorful Parmesan egg batter, served with a tangy lemon-butter sauce. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping. With its rich flavors and light texture, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household!
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
Make the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Coat the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice into the egg batter, coating it evenly on both sides.
Fry the Eggplant: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add lemon juice and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve: Arrange the fried eggplant slices on a plate, drizzle with the lemon-butter sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as pasta or a light salad.
Notes
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based egg substitute (like flax eggs) and vegan Parmesan cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Storage: Leftover Eggplant Francaise can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Vegetarian
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: French-Italian Fusion
Keywords: Eggplant Francaise, Vegetarian Eggplant Recipe, Lemon-Butter Sauce, Healthy Eggplant Dish, Family-Friendly Eggplant Recipe, Eggplant Francaise Recipe, Easy Eggplant Dinner, Crispy Eggplant, Quick Eggplant Dinner, Eggplant Recipe for Kids
