Baked Za’atar Eggplant Fries with Lemon Tahini Dip

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4 Servings

Eggplants were on sale at the market this week, so I picked one up and challenged myself to do something other than fry it. Since fried eggplant is so delicious in dishes like Eggplant Parmesan, I think it tends to be my easy go-to answer. I had something else in mind this time: an afternoon snack with a quick, delicious tahini dip that would carry us through until dinner.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1/4 cup za'atar spice blend
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch cayenne pepper
2 large eggs
Flaky salt (like Maldon), to finish
1/2 cup tahini
1 tablespoon sour cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon za'atar spice blend
2 to 4 tablespoons water, to thin

Instructions

To make the eggplant fries, preheat the oven to 425°F. Wedge a wire rack atop a baking sheet (so the fries will be slightly elevated and not directly touching the baking sheet)
Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Then cut each round into 1/2-inch thick spears. Set aside.
Pour the flour into a small bowl. Beat the eggs together in another small bowl. In a third small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, za'atar, salt and cayenne.
Roll the eggplant spears in the flour, dunk them in the egg, and then roll them into the bread crumb mixture. Lay each spear close to one another on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and crispy, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle the tops with flaky salt.
While the fries are baking, combine all the ingredients for the dip except the water in a small bowl. To thin, add a drizzle of water and stir vigorously until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve the fries with the dipping sauce while the fries are still hot.