50 minutes
Savory eggplant fritters with a sweet honey drizzle, inspired by the flavors of Córdoba's Moorish heritage.
Medium Eggplants, Peeled, sliced
0 lb
Whole Milk, For soaking
cups
Flour, For coating
cups
to taste
Olive Oil, For deep-frying
cups
Orange Blossom Honey, For drizzling
oz
1. Prep the Eggplants
Peel the eggplants and slice them into rounds approximately ⅓ inch in thickness.
2. Soak for Softness
Submerge the sliced eggplants in a bowl with enough milk to cover them. Place a small plate on top to keep them submerged. Allow them to soak for 1 to 2 hours before draining.
3. Flour Coating
Spread out flour on a plate and season with a bit of salt. Coat each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Get Frying
Heat the frying oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet until it sizzles when tested with a small amount of flour. Avoid overheating the oil.
5. Fry to Perfection
In batches, fry the eggplant slices until golden brown, flipping once the first side is done.
6. Drain
Remove the golden fritters and let them rest on paper towels to drain off excess oil.
7. Serve with Sweetness
Present the fritters hot, drizzled with honey for a delightful contrast of flavors. Encourage guests to add more honey to taste.
. Serve with a Greek yogurt-based dip with lemon zest and fresh herbs like dill or mint. . Make a Romesco sauce or a Mojo Picon for a Spanish-inspired dipping experience. . Create a sweet and spicy dip by mixing honey with a touch of sriracha or harissa paste.
. Incorporate different types of flour like chickpea flour or rice flour for a change in texture and flavor. . Add spices to the batter such as smoked paprika, cumin, or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick. . Consider adding a grated hard cheese like Parmesan or Manchego into the batter for a cheesy crust.
. Instead of honey, try a balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses for a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. . Infuse your honey with herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or lavender for an aromatic twist. . Maple syrup can also be a great alternative, especially if you infuse it with a touch of bourbon or vanilla.
. Slice the eggplant into different shapes, such as thin rounds or long strips, to alter the ratio of crispy batter to tender eggplant. . Before battering, marinate the eggplant slices in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor. . For an earthier note, brush the eggplant slices with a mixture of truffle oil and salt before coating them in the batter.
. Sprinkle the fried eggplant with toasted sesame seeds, crushed pistachios, or flaked almonds for added crunch. . Top with a small dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of goat cheese crumbles before drizzling with honey. . Garnish with fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or parsley to add a bright, fresh contrast.
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