Summer

Deconstructed Eggplant Parm Salad with Balsamic Reduction

June 18, 2010
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

Our salad was designed to be a summer alternative to the traditional eggplant parm that requires oven time. —City Share

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Balsamic vinegar
  • 1 small eggplant, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 6 ounces arugula
  • 1 handful of basil, stems removed and torn into pieces
  • olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into strips
  • 2 tomatoes, cut into strips
  • salt
  • pepper
Directions
  1. Pour the Balsamic vinegar into a sauce pot. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool and place in sealed container. It should be the consistency of a thick syrup. If it gets too thick, it can be thinned with additional vinegar.
  2. Dredge an eggplant slice in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally dredge it in the breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess breading and transfer the eggplant to a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining eggplant. Allow the eggplant to dry for 15 minutes once all of the slices are finished. Pour the oil to a depth of 1/4 inch in a small saute pan. Once the oil is warm, work in small batches frying the eggplant slices until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Using tongs, transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and season with salt to taste. Repeat with the remaining eggplant. Once cool, cut the eggplant slices into thirds.
  3. Place arugula and basil in a mixing bowl and toss with 2 T olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
  4. Layer the greens, eggplant strips, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella on dinner plates. Drizzle the Balsamic vinegar reduction over the top.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • msflycreek
    msflycreek
  • neocartography
    neocartography
  • City Share
    City Share

5 Reviews

msflycreek June 19, 2010
Looks delicious!!Can't wait to try it!!
 
City S. June 20, 2010
Thanks, msflycreek!
 
neocartography June 19, 2010
Thanks, neocartography!
 
neocartography June 18, 2010
Wow, What a great summer recipe!
 
City S. June 19, 2010
Thank you neocartography. We were really please with the results.