Wednesday, October 7, 2009

GF Breaded Eggplant w/Goat Cheese


Tonight's dinner was "on a budget".

Bison was on sale at Sprouts this weekend. It is a leaner meat than beef and it was cheaper than beef or chicken. So, that was an easy choice!

I don't really ever "plan meals". I know what ingredients work well together and I try to buy things that don't spoil quickly that I know how to cook and that are versatile.

For example, eggplant can be grilled, sauteed or fried. It is a food for every mood!

I've been experimenting with the perfect way to do "breading" for fried veggies/chicken that is gluten free. I think I perfected it tonight! You could use this eggplant recipe for GF Eggplant Parmesan, as a side veggie as I did here, or in the place of meat on a veggie sandwich w/mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers and red onion!


GF Breaded Eggplant w/Goat Cheese
Serves 4
Total Prep and Cook Time: 30-40 Min

1 medium eggplant

Breading (Gluten Free)
1/2 c. Bob's Red Mill Baking Mix
1/2 c. Corn Meal
3 Tbsp Freshly Chopped Rosemary
2 Tbsp Freshly Chopped Thyme
1 Tsp Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes
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2 eggs
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Oil for cooking (Olive Oil)
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Peel purple skin from eggplant with a vegetable peeler. Slice into 1/4" slices. Any thicker and they will burn before they are cooked through.

Mix herbs and dry ingredients together in a dish large enough to use for dusting your egg plant. Scramble eggs (add milk if you like). Always dust whatever you are frying in the "flour" first. Then to the eggs and back to the flour.

Your oil should sizzle when the eggplant is placed in the pan. Otherwise, it is not hot enough. Your eggplant will soak up the oil instead of fry and it will be soggy. Fry over medium heat for 2 min or so, turn and cook 2 min on other side. Once they are a a golden-brown, remove from heat and set on paper towel to drain some of the oil off.

Add a dollop of your favorite goat cheese to the top and serve warm. The goat cheese really topped it off! :)

Guten Appetit/Bon Appetit!