Eggplant Parmesan, or Melanzane alla Parmigiana, is a classic Italian dish featuring layers of crispy breaded eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. This recipe offers a comforting and hearty meal that showcases the flavors of Italy.
- Cooking Time
20 minutes - Difficulty
Easy - Cost
1$
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Salt, for sweating eggplant
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplant:
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit in a colander for 30 minutes to draw out bitterness. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up breading station:
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in separate shallow bowls.
- Bread the eggplant:
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat evenly with breadcrumbs. Shake off excess.
- Fry 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 on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with more marinara sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering:
- Repeat layering with remaining eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Eggplant Parmesan is a comforting and flavorful dish that celebrates the richness of Italian cuisine. Enjoy the crispy eggplant layers smothered in marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal. Buon appetito!
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