Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that consists of breaded and fried eggplant slices layered with tomato sauce and cheese. It is a popular vegetarian dish that is loved by many for its rich flavors and hearty texture. This recipe takes a modern twist on the traditional version by using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, which adds a creamy and tangy taste to the dish. It is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, whether it is a family dinner or a dinner party with friends.
To make Eggplant Parmesan, you will need a few key ingredients, including eggplant, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, and cheese. The eggplant should be sliced into rounds and then dipped in egg and coated with breadcrumbs before being fried until golden brown. The tomato sauce can either be homemade or store-bought, but it is recommended to use a rich and flavorful sauce for the best results. The cheese can be shredded or sliced, depending on personal preference, and should be layered between the eggplant slices and the tomato sauce. The dish can be baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and then served hot with a sprinkling of fresh basil for added freshness and flavor.
Ingredients
The classic dish Eggplant Parmesan requires a handful of key ingredients to achieve its delicious flavor:
- Eggplant: This vegetable is the star of the dish. Look for firm and glossy eggplants without any blemishes.
- Breadcrumbs: Coating the eggplant slices in breadcrumbs gives them a crispy texture.
- Mozzarella cheese: The cheese is melted and gooey, providing a creamy component to the dish.
- Tomato sauce: A rich and flavorful tomato sauce is essential for the Eggplant Parmesan. You can use a homemade sauce or a store-bought one.
- Parmesan cheese: The dish wouldn’t be complete without a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Olive oil: Used for frying the eggplant slices and also for greasing the baking dish.
- Garlic: Adding minced garlic to the dish brings extra flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and dried herbs like basil and oregano are used to season the eggplant slices and the tomato sauce.
Step-by-step instructions for making Eggplant Parmesan
Preparing Eggplant Parmesan involves several steps to create a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are the detailed instructions to follow:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Start by slicing the eggplant into even slices, about ½-inch thick. Season the slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out any excess moisture.
- While the eggplant is resting, prepare the breading station. In one shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs, and salt.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the eggplant into the breadcrumbs, making sure it is completely coated on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded eggplant slices and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked slices to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to cover the bottom. Arrange a single layer of the cooked eggplant slices on top of the sauce.
- Follow by spooning more marinara sauce over the eggplant, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process until all the eggplant slices are used, ensuring the top layer is covered in sauce and cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is hot and golden.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the Eggplant Parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Following these step-by-step instructions will help you create a delicious and satisfying Eggplant Parmesan that will surely impress your family and friends.
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Eggplant Parmesan
When it comes to making a delicious Eggplant Parmesan, professional chefs have some great tips to help take your dish to the next level. Here are a few tips that they swear by:
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Salting the Eggplant: To prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy and to enhance its flavor, sprinkle salt over the sliced eggplant and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Afterward, rinse off the salt and pat the eggplant dry before using it in the recipe.
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Baking, not Frying: While traditional recipes call for frying the breaded eggplant slices, many chefs prefer to bake them for a healthier and less messy option. Place the breaded eggplant slices on a greased baking sheet and bake them at around 400°F (200°C) until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Add Layers of Flavor: Building layers of flavor is essential for a tasty Eggplant Parmesan. Chefs recommend using a combination of different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, to create a rich and creamy texture. Additionally, adding fresh basil, oregano, and garlic to the tomato sauce can elevate the dish’s taste.
By following these tips from professional chefs, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering Eggplant Parmesan that is sure to impress your family and friends!
Reviews
I recently tried making Eggplant Parmesan for the first time and it turned out to be a delicious and satisfying dish. The combination of tender eggplant, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted cheese created a perfect balance of flavors. I was impressed with how easy it was to prepare this dish, even as a beginner cook.
The first step of the recipe involved slicing the eggplant and then salting it to remove any bitterness. I let the eggplant sit for about 30 minutes to allow the salt to draw out the moisture. After rinsing and drying the slices, I dipped them in beaten eggs and coated them with a breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. The eggplant slices were then fried until golden brown and crispy.
Next, I prepared a simple tomato sauce using crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. I layered the fried eggplant slices with the tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. I repeated the layers and finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Then, I baked it in the oven until the cheese was melted and bubbly. The aroma that filled my kitchen was incredibly appetizing!
The end result was a mouthwatering Eggplant Parmesan with a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. The combination of flavors was simply amazing. Each bite was a delightful explosion of textures and tastes. The tangy tomato sauce paired perfectly with the creamy melted cheese and the crunchy breadcrumbs. I served it with a side of spaghetti and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
I highly recommend trying the Eggplant Parmesan recipe if you enjoy Italian flavors and are looking for a hearty and delicious vegetarian dish. It’s a great option for meatless Mondays or any time you want to indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal. I’m already looking forward to making it again!
I recently tried making Eggplant Parmesan for the first time, and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it turned out. The dish is a classic Italian favorite, and I was excited to give it a try at home. I started by slicing the eggplant and then coating each slice in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. I then fried the slices until they were golden brown and crispy.
Next, I layered the fried eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. I repeated the layers until the dish was filled, and then topped it off with more Parmesan cheese. I baked the dish in the oven until the cheese was melted and bubbly.
The result was a mouthwatering Eggplant Parmesan that was flavorful and satisfying. The eggplant slices were tender and had a great crunch from the breadcrumb coating. The marinara sauce added a rich, tangy flavor, and the mozzarella cheese was gooey and melted to perfection. The dish was a hit with my family, and I will definitely be making it again in the future.
I recently tried the Eggplant Parmesan recipe and I must say, it was a delightful experience. As a cooking enthusiast, I love experimenting with different dishes and this one definitely exceeded my expectations. The combination of the tender eggplant slices, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese created a harmony of flavors that left me craving for more.
What I loved about this recipe is that it gave me the opportunity to showcase the versatility of eggplant. The slices were perfectly breaded and fried, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining the soft texture of the vegetable inside. The tomato sauce was well-seasoned and had a nice tanginess that complemented the creamy cheese. Each bite was a burst of flavors that had me savoring every mouthful.
Aside from the taste, the presentation of the Eggplant Parmesan was also impressive. The layers of eggplant, sauce, and cheese stacked on top of each other created a beautiful visual appeal that made it hard to resist. I must admit, I felt like a professional chef when I pulled the dish out of the oven and saw the golden-brown cheese melting over the top.
All in all, the Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a winner in my book. It’s a dish that combines simplicity with sophistication, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re a fan of eggplant or not, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
I recently tried making Eggplant Parmesan for the first time and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. The dish turned out to be incredibly flavorful and satisfying, and it quickly became a family favorite.
The recipe was quite simple to follow, and the end result was a delicious and hearty meal. I started by thinly slicing the eggplant and then breading and frying it until golden brown. The crispy texture of the eggplant added a nice contrast to the soft and creamy layers of melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.
One thing I particularly liked about this dish was how versatile it is. I opted to use mozzarella cheese for a classic flavor, but I’m sure it would taste equally delicious with other types of cheese like Parmesan or provolone. Additionally, you can easily customize the tomato sauce to your liking by adding herbs or spices for extra depth of flavor.
Overall, Eggplant Parmesan is a fantastic dish for those looking to impress their friends and family with a hearty and delicious meal. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this recipe is a winner. I highly recommend giving it a try!
I recently tried the Eggplant Parmesan recipe and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. The dish turned out to be a delicious and satisfying meal that can easily compete with traditional Italian classics. The recipe was simple to follow and the ingredients were easy to find at my local grocery store.
The first step involved slicing the eggplants and then lightly salting them to remove any bitterness. This step not only enhanced the flavor of the eggplant but also ensured that it cooked evenly. The bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs mixture used to coat the eggplant slices added a nice crunchy texture and a delightful savory flavor.
Layering the breaded eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese gave the dish a comforting and cheesy goodness. I appreciated how the recipe didn’t skimp on the sauce and cheese, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful dish. Baking it in the oven allowed all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a perfectly cooked and satisfying meal. The aroma that filled my kitchen while it was baking was simply irresistible.
The end result was a hearty and flavorful Eggplant Parmesan that was a hit with both my family and friends. The combination of crispy breaded eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese was simply divine. This recipe is definitely a keeper, and I can’t wait to make it again for my next gathering. I highly recommend giving the Eggplant Parmesan recipe a try, you won’t be disappointed!
I recently prepared the eggplant Parmesan recipe, and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of the crispy fried eggplants and the rich tomato sauce was simply mouthwatering. The eggplant slices were perfectly cooked, with a golden brown crust that added a delightful crunch to each bite. The tangy tomato sauce complemented the eggplant beautifully and added a burst of flavor to every forkful.
The layers of eggplant and gooey melted cheese were a match made in heaven. The cheese melted beautifully, creating a gooey and decadent texture that added richness to the dish. Each layer of eggplant and cheese melded together, creating a flavorful and satisfying bite.
I also appreciated how simple the recipe was to follow. The instructions were clear and easy to understand, making it a breeze to prepare this dish. The ingredients were also readily available, which made it convenient to shop for and prepare.
All in all, the eggplant Parmesan recipe exceeded my expectations. It was a delightful and satisfying meal that I will definitely be making again in the future.
