If you follow my blog you would know that we like eggplant in our house. I roast eggplant often and serve it in a sandwich. I saw a fried eggplant recipe and decided to try a similar recipe but instead of frying, I roasted it in the oven. Of course you can fry it too. It is a simple recipe. I served it with rice and dal. You can serve it as an appetiser or a side.

The coating used is very similar to coating used in fried fish in India.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
• 4-5 tbsp oil
• Spice mixture- 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2-1 tsp chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp amchur powder (mango powder) or 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• salt to taste
• Coating mixture- 2 tbsp semolina (or cornmeal), 1/2 tsp chilli powder, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, salt to taste

Directions

• Slice eggplants, sprinkle salt and let it sit for 10-30 minutes. Wash, and drain. Pat eggplants dry with kitchen paper
• Add 1 tbsp oil on the eggplant and coat
• Sprinkle spice mixture and make sure it is evenly spread on both sides.
• Dip in coating mixture and spread the mixture evenly (This gives it a crispy texture)
• Heat 2 tbsp oil. Fry the eggplant for a couple of minutes on both sides.
• Heat oven to 450ºF (230ºC)
• Line a pan with parchment paper (to avoid extra cleanup)- optional
• Coat pan with oil
• Place eggplants on the pan and bake for 15 minutes. Flip it and bake for another 10 minutes
• Place under broiler for 2 minutes if you want it extra crispy.
• Garnish with cilantro and serve.