Crispy Eggplant with Cane Syrup

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs), sliced into 1 cm (0.4 inch) rounds 2 large eggplants (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs), sliced into 1 cm (0.4 inch) rounds
• Salt, for sprinkling Salt, for sprinkling
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (240ml) cold sparkling water 1 cup (240ml) cold sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Cane syrup, for drizzling Cane syrup, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugar: 10g)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Rinse the slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sparkling water until you have a smooth batter.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Dip each eggplant slice into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry the slices in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the fried slices to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
5. 5.
   Arrange the crispy eggplant slices on a serving platter and drizzle generously with cane syrup.
6. 6.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy goodness of the eggplant with the sweet touch of cane syrup.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplants — Salting the eggplant slices helps to remove excess moisture and reduce bitterness. Make sure to rinse and pat them dry before proceeding with the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, make sure the sparkling water used in the batter is cold.
• Adjust the amount of cane syrup according to your preference for sweetness.
• Serve the Crispy Eggplant with Cane Syrup as an appetizer or as a side dish to complement a main course.
• If cane syrup is not available, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup.
• Experiment with different spices such as paprika or cumin to add a hint of smokiness to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Eggplant with Cane Syrup as a tapas dish or as part of a Spanish-inspired meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown crispy eggplant slices on a platter, drizzle the cane syrup over them, and sprinkle some powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve with a side of fresh lemon wedges for a tangy twist.