Fried Eggplant with Honey and Goat Cheese

Name: Fried Eggplant with Honey and Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: -12 oz eggplant; -2 eggs; -3 oz flour; -3.5 oz beer; -17 oz La Española Mild & Light Olive Oil; -Salt; #For Garnish; -Black pepper and salt; -Honey; -3 oz goat cheese

Appetizer tapa

Step by Step Guide to Making Fried Eggplant with Honey and Goat Cheese

Here's a veggie-forward Spanish dish with eggplant to add your repertoire. Crisp and savory, this easy-to-follow recipe works perfectly as a side or an appetizer before the main meal.

15 mins

35 mins

Ingredients

-12 oz eggplant
-2 eggs
-3 oz flour
-3.5 oz beer
-17 oz La Española Mild & Light Olive Oil
-Salt

For Garnish

-Black pepper and salt
-Honey
-3 oz goat cheese

preparation

1.

Thickly slice the eggplants, sprinkle them with salt and place them in a colander. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out their bitterness. Rinse lightly and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Set aside.
2.

In a bowl, beat the eggs and gradually add the flour until you achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture. Slowly pour in the beer while stirring gently to create a light, airy batter.
3.

Heat La Española Mild & Light Olive Oil in a frying pan. Dip the eggplant slices into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated, then fry in the hot oil. Turn the slices to achieve a golden-brown tone on both sides. Remove and place on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain excess oil.
4.

Arrange the fried eggplant slices on plates. Sprinkle a touch of black pepper and a pinch of salt. Top each slice with crumbled goat cheese and drizzle with honey for a perfect sweet and savory balance.

EXPLORING THE FLAVORS OF SPANISH CUISINE

Spanish cooking boasts a symphony of bold flavors, regional ingredients, and traditional techniques. Our Fried Eggplant with Honey and Goat Cheese is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a dish that embodies the essence of Spain’s proud culinary tradition.

THE ROLE OF OLIVE OIL IN MEDITERRANEAN COOKING

Olive oil is the cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, revered not only for its health benefits but also for its ability to elevate dishes with its nuanced flavor. When it comes to cooking fried dishes, La Española Mild & Light Olive Oil variety is ideal due to its light texture and neutral taste, which allows the primary ingredients to shine. It also imparts a crispy texture without overwhelming the palate.

TIPS FOR PERFECT FRYING WITH OLIVE OIL:

Use a cooking thermometer to maintain the oil at 350–375°F for optimal frying.
Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil’s temperature and result in a greasy finish.
Drain fried items on paper towels to preserve their crispiness.

BEER IN BATTER: THE SECRET INGREDIENT

You may be wondering: what turns an ordinary recipe tinto something extraordinary? In this case, incorporating beer into the batter is just a creative touch that elevates the flavor profile of this dish. The effervescence from the beer ensures the eggplant slices fry up with a delicate crunch, enhancing the eating experience.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BEER:

A light beer works best for this recipe, as it complements the mild flavors of the eggplant without overpowering them. Avoid dark or overly hoppy beers, as they may alter the flavor balance.

SWEET MEETS SAVORY: A CLASSIC SPANISH COMBINATION

Drizzling honey over savory dishes is a hallmark of Spanish cuisine, especially in Andalusian cooking. In this recipe, honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the goat cheese and the slight bitterness of the eggplant.

VARIATIONS TO TRY:

Alternative Cheeses: Feta or blue cheese can provide a different texture and flavor profile.
Herb-Infused Honey: Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary to your honey for an aromatic twist.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS AND PAIRINGS

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a tapas-style appetizer, a side dish, or even a vegetarian main course. To round out the meal, serve alongside a fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the fried eggplant.

VEGGIE-FORWARD SIDE DISHES

If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of vegetarian dishes, we’ve got two mouthwatering Mediterranean classics for you to try. Our Authentic Italian Bruschetta is a tried and true dish that features fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, and garlic on a slice of crispy toast. But what makes this bruschetta recipe stand out from the pack? The answer is simple: La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil Flavored with Truffle. Its rich and flavorful blend breathes new life into simple dishes, allowing you to create gourmet appetizers from the comfort of your own home.

Then, for a savory side dish, try our Sauteed Green Beans. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s a simple recipe that’s guaranteed to satisfy. To give this dish a truly authentic Mediterranean finish, we’ve used La Española Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

For more culinary inspiration, be sure to check out La Española’s catalogue of irresistible recipes.