Indulge in a delightful Mediterranean feast that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Our Baked Eggplant Fritters with Creamy Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Imagine crispy, golden fritters made from fresh eggplant, perfectly paired with a luscious vegan cream pasta that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to follow and promises to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your dining experience? Let’s dive into this delectable dish!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup vegan cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Grate the large eggplant using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated eggplant in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent the fritters from becoming soggy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated eggplant, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties or fritters, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place the fritters on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the fritters or spray them lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- While the fritters are baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat the vegan cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. If desired, you can add a pinch of salt and pepper or any additional herbs for flavor.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, toss it with the warm vegan cream until well coated. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- To serve, place a portion of the creamy pasta on each plate, top with the baked eggplant fritters, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Tips
- Squeeze Out Moisture: Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the grated eggplant. This crucial step ensures your fritters are crispy rather than soggy.
- Customize Your Fritters: Feel free to add herbs or spices of your choice to the fritter mixture for an extra flavor boost. Fresh basil or oregano can complement the Mediterranean theme beautifully.
- Perfectly Crispy Fritters: For an extra crispy texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They add a delightful crunch!
- Pasta Cooking Tip: When cooking the pasta, reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the vegan cream sauce to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish your dish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and presentation. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the visual appeal.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the fritter mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just form the patties and bake them when you’re ready to serve!
- Pairing Ideas: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables to complete your Mediterranean meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
