DEEP-FRIED EGGPLANT

Deep-Fried Eggplant image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 eggplant, thinly sliced crosswise into 16 rounds
2 tablespoons coarse salt
1 pound buffalo mozzarella, drained and sliced crosswise into 8 equal pieces
8 fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
4 cups vegetable oil
Tomato Sauce, warmed

Steps:

Place eggplant rounds in an even layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and let stand 10 minutes. Rinse under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
Place 1 piece of mozzarella on half of the eggplant, followed by 1 piece of basil; sandwich with remaining eggplant.
Heat oil in a deep saucepan until it reaches 325 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Place flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs each in separate shallow dishes. Coat each eggplant sandwich evenly with flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip in eggs, followed by breadcrumbs to coat.
Working in batches, gently place eggplant sandwiches into hot oil and fry until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Cut each sandwich into 4 equal portions; serve with tomato sauce.