Eggplant Parm Fries

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pound(s) uncooked eggplant(s), (1 large)
• 2 large egg white(s)
• 2 Tbsp canned tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 cup(s) whole wheat breadcrumbs, Italian-seasoned
• 1/4 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese, preferably finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 4 spray(s) cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
2. Trim and peel eggplant. Cut off a thin sliver of the rounded sides so eggplant can sit flat (reserve for another use). Cut eggplant lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices; cut each slice into 1/2-inch-thick sticks and then slice each stick in half again (you should have 48 fries).
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together egg whites, tomato paste and water. In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and cheese.
4. Dip each eggplant fry into egg white mixture and turn to coat; gently shake off excess. Next, place in breadcrumb mixture and turn to coat; place on prepared pan and repeat with remaining ingredients (make sure fries do not touch or overlap).
5. Coat fries with cooking spray and bake until brown and crunchy, about 25 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and cool for a few minutes.

Notes

Serving size: 12 fries.

Eggplant will never get crunchy on its own in the oven, so we give it a light coating of breadcrumbs. And because eggplant contains so much moisture, these fries won't stay crispy for long.