Crispy Eggplant Polenta Bites
Craving something crispy and satisfying? These Crispy Eggplant Polenta Bites are packed with flavor and have the perfect crunch. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re a delicious addition to any meal. Try them tonight for a delightful snack!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 large Eggplant cut into ½ inch batons/wedges
- 3-4 cups Unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1-2 cups Polenta
- 1 pinch Fine sea salt
- to taste Olive oil
- 1 Zest of lime (once you have the zest, cut the lime into wedges)
- to taste Flaky sea salt such as Maldon
- to taste Agave nectar for drizzling (or honey if you're not vegan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and smear a bit of olive oil on it. Set aside.
- Place the eggplant pieces in a large bowl and sprinkle with a bit of salt. Cover the pieces with the plant-based milk. Let the eggplant sit for an hour so that the bitterness can draw out.
- Pour the polenta into a shallow dish. Stir a good pinch of salt into the polenta. Arrange the soaked eggplant, dish of polenta, and lined baking sheet beside each other. Shake off excess milk from eggplant pieces and roll/press them in the polenta. Transfer coated pieces to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining eggplant.
- Drizzle the coated pieces with olive oil and slide the sheet into the oven.
- Bake eggplant bites for 15-25 minutes, flipping them over once. Mine took the full 25 minutes, but I think this varies greatly on the actual eggplant and hotspots in your oven.
- Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle bites with lemon zest, flaky sea salt, honey, and lime juice. Serve hot!
Notes
- Tip 1: These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Tip 2: They can also be frozen before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Tip 3: Pair with a warm marinara or tahini sauce for dipping.
- Tip 4: Feel free to add herbs to the polenta mix to customize the flavor.
- Tip 5: Always use fresh ingredients for the best results.