INGREDIENTS

Italian Eggplant
1½ lbs aprox

Salt *
1 tbsp

Rice Flour
1½ cups

Garlic Powder
½ tsp

Onion Powder
½ tsp

Dry Oregano
1 tsp

Dry Basil
1 tsp

Vegetable Oil

Marinara Sauce Jar or make your own.

PREPARATION

1. About an hour before frying, trim ends of each eggplant then slice the long way into four or five thick slices. Leave skins on.

2. Turn and slice again into strips. I got about 30 fries per eggplant. Lay them out flat on your cutting board or counter and sprinkle both sides with the tablespoon of kosher salt.

3. Then let sit for an hour. This will draw out any 'bitterness.' After the hour, place in a bowl and cover with cold ice water.

4. In a large bowl, mix the flour, 1 teaspoon of the sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and basil.

5. Place a large pot on the stove and fill half way with the oil. Heat to 345 degrees F using a candy thermometer.

6. This seems like an odd temperature but you actually drop down to 325 degrees F as you fry which is what you want.

7. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. This will be used to keep the fries hot as you cook each batch.

8. Drain the ice water from the eggplant but do not pat dry. While still wet dredge them all in the rice flour mixture and then place on a tray.

9. Cooking in batches, fry for about 4-5 minutes or until they just start to brown. They will not get dark amber like a French fry would but more of a light golden color. Using a spider or strainer, remove to a tray with paper towels and generously sprinkle with the remaining sea salt. Let the oil get back to 345 degrees before starting the next batch.

10. As each batch is cooked, place on a pan and hold in a warm oven until all the fries have been cooked.