Gluten Free and Vegan Eggplant Fries
By: Amie Valpone
Published: January 29, 2012

I'm a sucker when it comes to eggplant.  I grew up on it and could honestly eat it everyday, especially this time of the year when the weather is getting a bit cooler and a nice comforting baked eggplant dish is just what you need to warm up and keep your tummy happy.  A few weeks ago, I had a craving for some of that luscious purple nightshade veggie and I realized there aren’t too many unique eggplant recipes out there besides the usual eggplant rollatini and eggplant parm, so I decided to get creative and bake a batch of eggplant fries.  I simply purchased a fresh eggplant, chopped it up into fry-like shapes and dipped it into some warm hummus and tomato sauce for a fabulous snack.
Sounds delish, doesn’t it?
These fries are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan' they'll wow your taste buds with every nibble.  Happy Snackin'...
Eggplant Fries
Gluten-Free and Vegan
	Serves 2
 
1 large eggplant
	2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
	2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
	1/3 cup green tea, brewed and chilled
	Juice of 1 fresh lemon
	1/3 tsp. sea salt
	5 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
	1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
	2 Tbsp. ground flax seeds
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
	In a large bowl, combine balsamic, olive oil, green tea, lemon juice, sea salt, basil and paprika; mix well to combine. Set aside.
	Slice eggplant into 1/3 inch slices.  Dip each eggplant slice into balsamic mixture to coat.  Place eggplant slices onto a baking sheet or roasting pan.  Toss lemon wedges on top.
	Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
	Remove from oven; set aside to cool for 2 minutes.
	Serve warm with fresh tomato sauce, pesto or hummus for dipping.
	Enjoy!