Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that features layers of breaded and fried eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and cheese. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a delicious meatless meal. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Eggplant Parmesan that is crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients for Eggplant Parmesan:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Salt
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make Eggplant Parmesan:
- Place the sliced eggplant rounds in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release excess moisture. Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning. In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. Place the flour in a third shallow dish.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the eggplant.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the fried eggplant slices and drain on paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place a layer of fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Eggplant: Eggplant is the star of this dish, providing a meaty texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Breadcrumbs: Used to coat the eggplant slices, breadcrumbs add a crispy texture to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb mixture and the finished dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds flavor to the breadcrumbs.
- Eggs: Used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the eggplant slices.
- Marinara Sauce: A tomato-based sauce that adds flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a gooey, cheesy layer to the dish.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the eggplant slices until crispy.
Enjoy this Eggplant Parmesan with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a delicious and satisfying meal!
