PAN-FRIED EGGPLANT WITH CHILE, HONEY AND RICOTTA

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Pan-Fried Eggplant With Chile, Honey and Ricotta image

For the crispest, most burnished pieces of eggplant, nothing beats frying, and it's worth every last splattered drop of oil to get there. This dish pairs the golden spears of fried eggplant with milky ricotta cheese, fried garlic slices, red-pepper flakes and a generous drizzle of honey. You can serve it as a first course, a substantial side dish or a light main course with a green salad on the side. Note that tender, young eggplant cook a lot more quickly than denser, larger ones, and are worth seeking out here.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     weekday, vegetables, appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds Japanese or other slender eggplant, cut into 3-inch-by-1-inch spears
Fine sea salt, as needed
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
12 ounces whole-milk ricotta
1 tablespoon honey, or to taste
Red-pepper flakes, to taste
Flaky sea salt, to taste
1/3 cup torn fresh basil leaves
Lemon or lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Sprinkle eggplant lightly with fine sea salt, and let sit while you heat the skillet.
  • Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium. When hot, add oil and heat until shimmering. Pat eggplant dry if necessary, then arrange in a single layer in the skillet (cooking them in batches if necessary to prevent crowding). Fry until softened and golden brown on all sides, turning them often, about 9 to 15 minutes total.
  • Transfer eggplant as it cooks to a paper towel-lined plate, and sprinkle very lightly with more fine sea salt.
  • When all the eggplant is cooked, reduce heat under pan to low and add garlic and a little more oil; cook until just golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to the paper towel-lined plate next to the eggplant.
  • Spread ricotta on a serving plate. Top with fried eggplant and garlic. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, flaky sea salt and basil. Serve immediately, with lemon or lime wedges on the side if you like.

even tamang
[email protected]

This dish is a bit time-consuming to make, but it's worth the effort. The eggplant is so flavorful and the honey-chile sauce is to die for.


Amazing Grace
[email protected]

I love the crispy texture of the eggplant in this dish. The honey-chile sauce is also amazing.


Yaqoob Sagar
[email protected]

This dish is a great way to use up leftover eggplant. It's also a delicious and easy way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.


Rania Davids
[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but this dish was surprisingly good. The honey-chile sauce really made the dish.


PRINCEROY 793
[email protected]

This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It's also a healthy and delicious way to get your veggies in.


Rijan chhetri
[email protected]

I love how this dish combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It's a perfect balance.


QUEEN MAYRA
[email protected]

This dish was easy to make and it tasted great. I would definitely recommend it to others.


Carlo Olivier
[email protected]

The eggplant was a bit bland for my taste, but the honey-chile sauce helped to add some flavor.


Alodji Matthew
[email protected]

I've made this dish several times and it's always a hit. It's a great way to get my kids to eat eggplant.


Nadeem Awan
[email protected]

This recipe is a keeper! The eggplant was crispy and flavorful, and the honey-chile sauce was the perfect complement.


Nadeem Sandhu
[email protected]

I love the combination of sweet and spicy in this dish. The eggplant is cooked perfectly and the sauce is amazing.


Aria M
[email protected]

This dish is a great way to use up leftover eggplant. It's also a healthy and delicious meal.


Zone Gaming77
[email protected]

The recipe was easy to follow and the eggplant came out delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


Shawn Chapman
[email protected]

The eggplant was a bit too oily for my taste, but the flavor was still good.


Manjur Ansari
[email protected]

I made this dish for a party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved the unique flavor combination.


Hena Begum
[email protected]

This dish is so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I love serving it as an appetizer or main course.


rohitrohit rohitrohit
[email protected]

I followed the recipe exactly and the eggplant came out great. My family loved it!


Makoena Molapo
[email protected]

The eggplant was cooked perfectly - crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The honey-chile sauce was delicious and added a nice kick.


Raneshiea Allen
[email protected]

This eggplant dish was a hit! The combination of crispy eggplant, sweet honey, and spicy chili was perfect. I will definitely be making this again.