Crispy Brinjal Bites

These are my signature crispy Brinjal bite. They are packed with flavour have a seriously good crunch. You can serve them as a snack or main meal. They make perfect Brinjal burgers as well as crunchy lettuce wraps.

• 1 large Brinjal rinsed and cut into 1.5cm thick disks
• 1.5 Cups (375ml) Panko bread crumbs.
• Oil for frying

Breading ingredients

• 1 Cup (250ml) Cake wheat flour
• ¼ Cup (60ml) Corn starch flour (maizena)
• 2 tsp (10ml) garlic powder
• 2 tsp (10ml) onion powder
• 1 tsp (5ml) mild chili powder
• 1 Tbsp Curry powder (I used pakco masala)
• 1 tsp (5ml) dried oregano
• ¾ tsp salt
• Mix the breading ingredients together in a deep plate – Keep aside.

Dipping Liquid

• 1 Cup (250ml) water
• 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5ml) onion powder
• 30ml Cake wheat flour
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) corn flour (maizena)
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) soy sauce
• Mix the dipping ingredients together in a small deep container (big enough for the brinjal to fit).
• This is how 🙂
• Set up the breading station.
• Place the panko bread crumbs onto a flat plate.
• Keep the breading flour next to the panko crumbs and the dipping liquid next to the breading flour.
• Start by dipping the sliced brinjal pieces into the dipping liquid on both sides, then into the breading mixture.
• Coat the breading mixture all over the brinjal. Dip the same brinjal back into the dipping liquid and then into the panko bread crumbs. Be sure to coat it well.
• Place the crumbed brinjal on a tray or plate. Repeat the process until you have crumbed all the brinjal.
• For a crisper brinjal bite – double coat. Dip the brinjal into the liquid, then into the breading flour – then back into the the dipping liquid then back into the breading flour – dip it back into the liquid and then dip into the panko bread crumbs.
• Shallow fry the crumbed brinjals in medium hot oil. (the oil should not be too hot nor too cold). Fry for a minute to 2 on each side until golden brown and cook through.
• Drain on a paper towel.
• Serving suggestions: Serve on a bun with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and a chilli sauce mixed with vegan mayonnaise. Garnish with microgreens.
• Or on crunchy lettuce leaves, smeared with a chilli sauce mixed with vegan mayonnaise. Topped with sliced tomatoes, onion rings, sliced gherkins and finally topped with the crumbed brinjals.
• Garnish with microgreens. Serve as a lettuce sandwich.