Tomatoes with Crisp Fried Eggplant and Burrata

By courtneyepowell

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour, for dredging
• 3 large eggs, well beaten
• 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 4 Japanese eggplants (1 to 1 1/4 pounds total), cut on the bias into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, preferably in a mix of colors
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, half of them torn
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 ball (about 7 ounces) burrata cheese

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from marthastewart.com

Preparation

Step 1

Place flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in 3 separate wide, shallow bowls. Working with 1 eggplant slice at a time, dredge in flour, then dip in egg and then breadcrumbs. Transfer to a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, halve tomatoes and toss with olive oil and torn basil. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat about 1/4 inch vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add enough eggplant slices to fill but not crowd skillet and fry, flipping once, until deep golden brown and crunchy, 1 to 2 minutes on each side. (Lower heat slightly, if necessary.) Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a clean wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet, and season with salt. Discard used oil and repeat process with fresh oil and remaining eggplant.

Arrange eggplant and tomato mixture on a platter. Cut burrata in half, place next to tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Scatter remaining basil on top.