Description
Savor the rich flavors of this Classic Eggplant Parmesan, a beloved Italian dish featuring layers of crispy eggplant, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting vegetarian delight that will impress everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants (about 500g each)
- Salt (for sweating the eggplant)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Eggplant:
Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch rounds and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels. -
Bread the Eggplant:
Set up a breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third. Dip each eggplant slice in flour, then the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. -
Fry the Eggplant:
Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. -
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the fried eggplant, half of the marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Repeat the layers. -
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. -
Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, consider baking the eggplant instead of frying. Brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Pair with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g