Outside Eggplant

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Did you know today is National Eat Outside Day?  I’m a huge fan out eating outside… or just not in front of my TV or my computer. 🙂

 

We celebrated by eating lunch on the patio.  It was HOT.

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Lunch was a yummy summer salad featuring one of my favorite things:  breaded eggplant!

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Eggplant is one of those things can be made into a healthy dish or a not-so-healthy dish (but oh-so-delicious – I’m looking at you, eggplant parmesan).  I love roasting it in the oven with a little egg wash and bread crumbs.

 

To get started, you need a firm, dark purple eggplant and two eggs:

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Slice the eggplant into one-inch thick circles.

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In a shallow dish, beat the eggs.  In another dish, spread out some bread crumbs.  I used this organic kind from Trader Joe’s:

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Salt the eggplant slices, dip into the egg mix, and then dip into the bread crumbs on both sides.  Place on a greased cookie sheet.   Once I’ve finished dipping the slices, I like to pour the remaining egg mix over the slices and then top with some extra breading.

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Mmm.

 

Bake at 375 for twenty minutes, and then broil for another minute or two to brown them up quickly.

 

Meanwhile, prepare your salad base (we’re making healthy eggplant, remember?).  I mixed some greens, tomatoes, broccoli sprouts, and rinsed kidney beans together.

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Put it all together and top with some sort of salsa or relish.  I used corn and chili salsa.  It was perfect!

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It was one of those lovely, voluminous lunches that left me feeling full and satisfied but not stuffed. 

 

Back to work I go!  How’s your day going?

{ 86 comments }

 

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete August 31, 2010, 2:34 pm

    Busy. Last semester of grad school started last week. Ahhhh!

    I’ve never tried to make my own eggplant parmesan at home! This actually looks really easy.

    • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete August 31, 2010, 2:35 pm

      In fact, I probably should be commenting on blogs right now, but the blog world always pulls me in when I’m bored!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine August 31, 2010, 2:34 pm

    Yummy!! I can only eat eggplant with lots of other stuff, otherwise the texture is weird to me. This looks perfect!!

  • R @ Learning As I Chop August 31, 2010, 2:35 pm

    The corn and eggplant combo looks delicious!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 31, 2010, 2:36 pm

    I have never prepared eggplant and liked it. Maybe I’ll try it breaded like yours — it looks delicious!

    My day is going well, I’m on break from work checking blogs, and I’m looking forward to my 4 mile run this afternoon!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous August 31, 2010, 2:37 pm

    This looks DIVINE! Confession: I had a slice of eggplant pizza for dinner last night. It was late, I was tired, and I surrendered. It was so yummy, I only had a teensy bit of guilt. Love this dish–never would have thought to bread eggplant on my own!

    • Christine August 31, 2010, 3:09 pm

      I love eggplant on pizza! When I make it (eggplant, not pizza) I can never seem to get is as sweet as the fried stuff on the pizza or that I buy from my local Italian specialty shop. I’ve even tried using my mandolin to get it super thin, like parm usually is. Maybe I need help picking a good one….

  • Kelly August 31, 2010, 2:39 pm

    I love eggplant, but not as much as I love seeing Maggie’s sweet face. Too bad we can’t breed her and Rascal…I think I need more doxie love in my life. 🙂

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin August 31, 2010, 2:43 pm

    I Looove eggplant. if you use panko crumbs it tastes exactly like fried because they are crispier than regular crumbs!

  • allison @ livingoneday August 31, 2010, 2:45 pm

    wow that looks so good. i ahve 2 white eggplants from my garden on the verge of use it or lose it, so i think im gonna try these tonight!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) August 31, 2010, 2:47 pm

    I love egg plant roasted with balsamic and olive oil and then stacked with fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil. Like a suped up caprese salad 🙂

  • Kayla August 31, 2010, 2:48 pm

    I love eggplant. It’s a great addition to spaghetti/tomato sauce. So is zucchini. I love bulking up a drab sauce with chunks of either veggie.

  • Nikka B August 31, 2010, 2:52 pm

    I bought an eggplant at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday & was unsure what I was going to do with it….now I know!!! Yum!

  • Nicole - yuppieyogini.com August 31, 2010, 2:58 pm

    On my way back to CLT from Seattle & it raining here–so no eating outside. The eggplant looks yummy, what a versatile veggie.

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) August 31, 2010, 2:58 pm

    I need to try this recipe! I had eggplant once and didn’t particularly love it. But I’m blaming that on my poor recipe, which is why I need to give it a second chance. 😉

  • Sarah for Real August 31, 2010, 2:58 pm

    Great timing! The eggplant in my garden is just about ready to harvest!

  • Heather C August 31, 2010, 2:59 pm

    As I read this, with my lunch, sitting in front of my computer…dangit! Eat Outside Day will resume for dinner on the deck 😉

    This just reminds me to grab some eggplant and do some experimenting! As a sort of “new” all-veg eater, our dinners can get a little repetitive. Breaded eggplant to the rescue! Looks perfect 🙂

  • Katy @MonsterProof August 31, 2010, 3:00 pm

    Love eggplant, but I usually peel it? Any idea on the nutrition in the peel?

    Since it’s summer, and I’m avoiding the oven, I’ve been steaming the eggplant in the microwave, then egging/breading, and doing a light pan fry in a deep skillet to brown the crust before tossing in a can of diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and a little cheese on top to get a healthier eggplant-Parmesan feel. And, of course, some chiffonade fresh basil across the top. YUM.

  • Lu August 31, 2010, 3:00 pm

    I’m eating outside tonight. You’ve inspired me to make dinner and take it to the porch. I’m sure it will work wonders to bribe the little one to do extra good in school. That eggplant looks amazing.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) August 31, 2010, 3:01 pm

    these photos really showed off exactly what i love about eggplant…the COLOR! gorgeous pictures of a gorgeous meal 🙂

  • Maren August 31, 2010, 3:01 pm

    Wow that looks like a super easy meal idea! Thanks!

  • Amelia August 31, 2010, 3:02 pm

    Love eating outside. My favorite part of a weekday is enjoying my lunch in Bryant Park.

  • Kelly August 31, 2010, 3:03 pm

    That looks really good, now I’m craving eggplant and eggplant parm

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) August 31, 2010, 3:04 pm

    That looks like a great lunch!! I jsut ate some aubergine too 🙂

  • Jodi August 31, 2010, 3:06 pm

    I love this! I have been looking for a “healthier” version of fried eggplant because I absolutely love it but the few versions i tried at home were fails. I will try it this way immediately… thank you! 🙂

  • Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) August 31, 2010, 3:07 pm

    Looks good! I didn’t know it was National Eat Outide Day, or I may have taken lunch al fresco!

  • Dorry August 31, 2010, 3:10 pm

    Looks delicious! I’m glad you posted this b/c I’ve been intimidated by eggplants for some reason. I need to make this soon. 🙂

  • Ingunn August 31, 2010, 3:11 pm

    Oooh, that looks awesome.

    National Eat Outside Day? Boo, it’s POURING in Seattle.

  • Christine August 31, 2010, 3:12 pm

    I just read that is is also national TRAIL MIX day!

    http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/trailmixday.htm

    Yum!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 31, 2010, 3:16 pm

    Now that is the way to eat! I am loving that weather right now. It isn’t quite cool enough for me yet, but at least I am not sweating to death when I walk outside. Your lunch looks delicious. Glad you are enjoying your hubs and pups at lunch today…and some fresh air!

  • Katie @ peacebeme August 31, 2010, 3:18 pm

    I love eggplant! It has become one of my new favorite foods this summer.

  • Angharad August 31, 2010, 3:21 pm

    I love salads with something like this on them! It’s like when I remember to add a veggie burger or leftover pasta to a salad. Next level!
    Oh and luckily I’m already planning on grilling tonight so got that outdoor eating thing taken care of!

  • Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) August 31, 2010, 3:33 pm

    What a great salad – my husband just confessed that he has never tried egg plant so maybe I’ll make this for him!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite August 31, 2010, 3:46 pm

    I love breaded eggplant! My favorite way to eat it is to make them into fries 🙂

  • elyssa August 31, 2010, 3:46 pm

    your eggplant looks amazing, caitlin! if you ever want to go for a crispier style, i usually salt the slices and leave them chillin on a towel for a couple hours. the moisture drains right out of them, making for more of a ‘chip’-like consistency.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman August 31, 2010, 3:52 pm

    Ugh, I always fail at making decent eggplant. It’s like the one food item that I can’t master no matter how hard I try. Maybe I’ll give it a go next National Eat Eggplant Inside Day.

  • Andrea August 31, 2010, 3:53 pm

    Wow…I had no idea cooking eggplant was that easy. I need to try it!

  • Michal August 31, 2010, 3:57 pm

    You’ve mentioned that your hubby is shifting towards vegan – is it just dairy, or with eggs as well?
    I LOVE eggplant. I just roast it and it’s perfect in hummus wraps 🙂

    • Caitlin August 31, 2010, 4:02 pm

      He will eat eggs occasionally but does try to limit them.

  • Stacey August 31, 2010, 4:02 pm

    Mmmm, I’ve never eaten eggplant before but I’ve always wanted to give it a try 🙂 And I think ANY vegetable breaded is a good vegetable 😉 Love how colorful your salad is!

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet August 31, 2010, 4:09 pm

    I love baked eggplant parm… that looks delish!

  • Cathy K August 31, 2010, 4:12 pm

    anyone else out there like plain old raw eggplant?! i just add sliced rounds to my plate when i eat a snackplate of veggies like carrots, cucumber, mushrooms, celery etc with a dip.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 31, 2010, 4:13 pm

    I wish I loved eggplant. I just can’t stand it. I do love most veggies, though. I wonder if you could do the same thing with zucchini. MMMM. I shall try.

  • eri August 31, 2010, 4:15 pm

    that eggplant looks delish! it’s the only way i can eat eggplant! haha.

    national eat outside day? i need to celebrate that!

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow August 31, 2010, 4:19 pm

    Day is busy! Just flew across the country and am rainy Seattle! Trying to cram more work in before I surprise my husband out here! If all goes well it will be my best surprise yet 🙂

    I am wondering if your breaded eggplant will bring it into my life. I have issues with the consistency but your recipe just might help me get past that! It looks delish.

  • Laura August 31, 2010, 4:48 pm

    This looks like a great lunch! Will have to try out this recipe, I love eggplant but never know how to prepare it.

  • laura August 31, 2010, 4:55 pm

    holy bajeeeeesus that looks delicious!! your photography skills have VASTLY improved (and i don’t mean that as a back handed compliment.. they just look REALLY good lately!!)

    • Caitlin August 31, 2010, 6:16 pm

      thanks!!!

  • kate August 31, 2010, 5:11 pm

    Todays national trail mix day, too! Oh, the celebration!

  • Amber August 31, 2010, 5:23 pm

    Haha oh how I love eggplant parmesan! I’m having it for dinner tonight actually 😉 We usually use about half the cheese that the recipe calls for, but still, not great for you! Oh well, it’s gotta be better then pasta smothered in tomato sauce and cheese!

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) August 31, 2010, 5:39 pm

    I love eating outside! I wish it was warmer here (Alaska) so I could actually eat outside!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 31, 2010, 5:47 pm

    I’ve never tried breaded eggplant before, but this looks really good! I bet it would taste amazing with some marinara sauce. 😀

  • Dani August 31, 2010, 5:48 pm

    I make the same thing! Except I add Parmesan, oregano and basil to the bread crumb mixture. After baking I dip in tomato sauce. MMM!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter August 31, 2010, 5:58 pm

    Beautiful eggplant recipe! It looks so amazing for a day like today.

  • To Kiss the Cook August 31, 2010, 6:03 pm

    Gorgeous, Caitlin. My garden is overflowing with eggplants at the moment…could not have come at a better time!

  • Lola August 31, 2010, 6:06 pm

    On an unrelated note, I just made your Santa Fe Casserole for dinner tonight.. DELISH! 🙂

    • Caitlin August 31, 2010, 6:15 pm

      Oh that is one of my favorite recipes – I hope you enjoy it!

  • Mary August 31, 2010, 6:08 pm

    How did you know that this is my favorite way to make and eat eggplant! 🙂

  • Megan (Braise The Roof) August 31, 2010, 6:08 pm

    It’s National Eat Outside Day?? How did I miss that! Well, shoot, I ate my lunch inside. I’ll have to eat my dinner out. 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing August 31, 2010, 6:38 pm

    Oh YUM!!! And it looks so easy!

  • eatmovelove August 31, 2010, 6:54 pm

    Okay – the Eggplant has been my nemesis due to its bitter, often bland flavor. I’ve given up on it. But ALAS, yes, breading (and perhaps some cheese and sauce 😉 ) should do the trick!

  • Heather August 31, 2010, 7:08 pm

    very colorful meal! I love eating outside.

  • Lauren August 31, 2010, 7:24 pm

    Those are the best kind of lunches. I love feeling full but not stuffed after lunch.

    I just made a take on your sweet potato with baked beans recipe! Oh wow, I need to thank you for this. Incredible! 🙂

  • Alycia [Fit n Fresh] August 31, 2010, 7:38 pm

    Looks GOOD! I know what I’m gonna do with my eggplant now 🙂

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa August 31, 2010, 7:39 pm

    Yum! I’ve prepared eggplant with breadcrumbs before but the recipe calls for frying in canola oil. This looks a bit healthier and I will have to give it a try.

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape August 31, 2010, 7:51 pm

    This sounds amazing!!! I love breading zucchini but I haven’t done it with eggplant yet.

  • Michele August 31, 2010, 8:07 pm

    I want to come live with you for 1 week and try all these amazing foods; I love reading your blogs (operationbeautiful also)…but this one with the food just amazes me. Some of these things I have never heard of AND don’t know where to get them. Therefore I just want to hang at your house and try them.

    😀

    • Caitlin August 31, 2010, 8:29 pm

      heheh come on by casa htp!

  • Caitlin (EatFeats) August 31, 2010, 8:09 pm

    I love that there is a holiday for every occasion. I didn’t know about this, so will have to celebrate at dinner. Can’t wait until National Ice Cream Day comes around again.

  • BroccoliHut August 31, 2010, 8:20 pm

    Wow, that eggplant looks amazing! I know what veggie I’m picking up at the grocery this week:)

  • Tay August 31, 2010, 9:07 pm

    I am 95% positive that that’s the corn relish from TJ’s correct? Best stuff ever!!

    • Caitlin August 31, 2010, 10:48 pm

      right!

  • Missy August 31, 2010, 9:43 pm

    Your food looked delish today! I learned a trick a while back for tenderizing the thicker eggplant slices, you slice them as you did.. lay them on a papertowel or plate whatever, then sprinkle a tiny bit of salt on them, lay them out for about 30 min . Good luck

  • Chelsey August 31, 2010, 9:52 pm

    That looks so good!!! I have an eggplant in my fridge that’s just begging me to use it!

  • Wei-Wei August 31, 2010, 10:04 pm

    Ever tried panko crumbs? They’re fluffier and lighter than normal breadcrumbs, so they end up crisper. I think the Pioneer Woman can testify to them… 😉 Here you go: http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen-blog/2010/08/a-tasty-recipe-mac-and-cheese-and-panko/

  • elizabeth August 31, 2010, 10:32 pm

    Dinner looks amazing. Did you make the corn and chili salsa? I have had a similar looking salsa from Trader Joe’s.

    • Caitlin August 31, 2010, 10:48 pm

      yes! it’s trader joes.

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ August 31, 2010, 10:38 pm

    I can’t find the pumpkin either. You are right about Libby’s being the best.

  • Sana September 1, 2010, 10:03 am

    Before I read this post I was already going to eat outside! Now I can also celebrate!!

  • Amber K September 1, 2010, 10:48 am

    It was pouring down rain, but then I don’t have anywhere to eat outside anyway. And I HATE eating outside. I don’t know if it is just the weather or the bugs or seeing dirt everywhere…I don’t know!

    But it is funny, I tried eggplant for the first time yesterday! They weren’t too bad, I roasted them with salt, pepper, chives, and garlic.

  • L September 1, 2010, 1:52 pm

    hiya 🙂 ok so libby’s has an 85% monopoly on canned pumpkin. did you know this? the last two years have been extraordinarily bad for pumpkin production so libby’s brand canned pumpkin will only be available for a very short time this year – and at an inflated price – IF this year’s summer crop can stay dry. canned pumpkin shortage 2010… it’s made my overnight oats so depressed! definitely stock up on WHATEVER canned pumpkin you can find 🙂

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef September 1, 2010, 4:28 pm

    sweet! i didn’t know yesterday was national eat outside day. it seemed like a good day to eat my lunch outside yesterday so i did. 🙂

  • Michele September 5, 2010, 12:21 pm

    I have NEVER tried eggplant, but this one has inspired me – so TONIGHT is the NIGHT! Hope it’s yummy; going to make it just like you did.

    Do you have a recipe for the corn salsa – I LOVE corn.

    • Caitlin September 5, 2010, 1:58 pm

      It’s from a jar 🙂

  • Michele September 5, 2010, 12:22 pm

    I have NEVER tried eggplant, but this one has inspired me – so TONIGHT is the NIGHT! Hope it’s yummy; going to make it just like you’ve shown!

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