Eggplant Bites with Cheese and Herbs – Vegetarian

Looking for a tasty little something that’s easy to make, packed with flavour, and totally meat-free? These eggplant bites with cheese and herbs are the answer! Soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, full of cheesy goodness and fresh herbs – they’re like little veggie treasures!

Perfect with a dollop of mustard, tossed next to your favourite salad, tucked into a sandwich, or served with a cosy side dish. However you enjoy them, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Great for lunch, dinner, or even casual snacking.

Ingredients: (For ~14 pieces)

• 1 kg eggplant
• 150 g grana padano or grated parmesan
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium head of garlic
• a few sprigs of fresh mint
• a few sprigs of fresh basil
• 150 g breadcrumbs
• salt + pepper
• olive oil for frying

Preparation:
Rinse the eggplants well, then partially peel them with a knife (just enough to leave a bit of skin on) and cut them into medium-sized cubes. Place them in a pot with salted water and boil for 20–30 minutes, until they’re fully tender and soft.

Once the eggplants are cooked, transfer them to a sieve to drain. Use a wooden spoon to press them down well, squeezing out as much water as possible. Place the drained eggplant pulp into a large bowl, then add the peeled and crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, and finely chopped herbs. Give everything a good mix. Next, add the grated Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper, and mix again until well combined.

Using your hands, shape the mixture into balls and place them on a plate. Heat a little oil in a frying pan—no need for deep frying, just enough to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the balls in the pan, leaving some space between them so you can easily flip without breaking them. Cook them on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Continue frying in batches until all the balls are done.

I served these with a simple cucumber salad made from a Fabio cucumber, thinly sliced and dressed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Feel free to pair them with your favorite salad or any side dish you love. 🙂

They also taste amazing with a bit of mustard on the side!

If you try the recipe, let me know how you liked it! 😊

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