Mediterranean Eggplant " Salad"

A very light and refreshing summer eggplant dish. This is actually lightly fried, thinly sliced eggplant with a Mediterranean inspired pasta salad on top. It is also a lot like a deconstructed cold lasagna.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 6

Ingredients

• 1  eggplant, peeled
• 3  eggs
• 1⁄2 cup half-and-half cream
• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 4  cups  vegetable oil, for frying
• 5  lasagna noodles, cooked
• 2  tomatoes, large diced
• 6  ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1⁄4 cup capers
• 1⁄2 cup kalamata olive, sliced
• 1⁄2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄2 cup  vegetable oil
•  salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Slice eggplant lengthwise, about 1/4 in thick.
2. Whisk the lemon juice, parsley and salt and pepper together in a large bowl, slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking, then slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of vegetable oil while whisking.
3. Cut the lasagne noodles in thick strips.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, capers, onion, pasta, mozzarella, and olives. Set aside.
5. Heat the frying oil in a large frying pan to about 350°F (or hot enough to fry to a golden brown).
6. Whisk together the eggs and half-and-half.
7. Dredge the eggplant slices in the flour, then in the egg wash.
8. Fry each slice of eggplant for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Lay on paper towels to drain and cover with a cloth towel to keep warm.
9. Lay two or three slices of eggplant on each plate and pile the pasta salad in the center only to allow the edges to stay nice and crispy.