Check out this yummy recipe for Eggplant Dippers with Marinara Sauce from Wild Thyme​ with chef, Allison Davis!

Egg Plant Dippers with Marinara Sauce 

Made using the three step breading procedure

 The Standard Breading Procedure

The standard breading procedure is a basic 3-step culinary technique that is used when coating and frying items for a crispy exterior and tender interior. Although a recipe might call for slight variations, the basic technique stays the same regardless of what you’re frying. Here’s how to do it:

1. Flour: dredge the items in seasoned flour until evenly coated then shake off the excess.
2. Egg wash: crack a few eggs into a second tray and whisk. Dip the flour coated item into the egg wash and coat on all sides. Let the excess drip off and transfer to the breadcrumbs. You can use just egg or combine it with milk or buttermilk.
3. Breading: press the egg and flour coated item into a third tray of breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, homemade, Japanese panko, or even cracker crumbs. Shake off the excess then pan fry or deep fry.

The flour helps the egg wash stick and creates a protective barrier between the breading and the item. The egg wash gives the breadcrumbs something to stick to and the breadcrumbs create the crispy exterior. You can always keep it basic but try changing things up by using creative seasonings for your flour and breadcrumbs.

Simple Marinara Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 2Tablespoons olive oil
• 2garlic cloves, minced
• 1(28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2teaspoon kosher salt
• 1teaspoon sugar
• 1/8teaspoon fresh black pepper
• 1/4teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil to the pan, allowing it to warm for 1 minute, then add the garlic and sauté it for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s golden brown and fragrant.

Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar and crushed red pepper flakes (optional), stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, then season it with additional salt, pepper or sugar, to taste.

 NOTES:

The strongest flavor of the marinara sauce will depend on what variety of crushed tomatoes you use. My preferred brand is San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes.

This recipe can serve as the starting point for many other sauce variations. Feel free to add fresh basil, sautéed onions and any other preferred add-ins.