Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
This eggplant parmesan recipe is not just easy to follow but also incredibly satisfying! Each bite is a blend of flavors that dance beautifully together. Let’s gather our tools and ingredients!Once you're done, you’ll unveil a bubbling tray of crispy eggplant heaven. This dish serves about six hungry bellies, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. You’ll look like a culinary wizard, and your loved ones will be begging for seconds.Another appealing aspect of this recipe is the utilization of only a handful of easily accessible ingredients. There's no need to hunt for obscure or exorbitantly priced items; everything you require can be found in your local grocery store. This not only simplifies the preparation process but also ensures that the dish remains affordable while still delivering exceptional flavor. Fresh eggplants, melted mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, and a blend of herbs come together to create a classic, comforting meal that will win over even the pickiest of eaters.
Equipment
- Large Baking Dish — A large baking dish is necessary for layering the eggplant slices, sauce, and cheese. This allows for even cooking and adequate space for your ingredients to meld together perfectly.
- Cooking Pan — A good-quality cooking pan is vital for sautéing the eggplant slices. Ensure it is non-stick to avoid sticking and burning, aiding in achieving that ideal golden-brown color.
- Mixing Bowls — Having multiple mixing bowls is indispensable. These will be used to prepare the egg, flour, and breadcrumb mixtures for coating the eggplant slices efficiently.
- Whisk — A whisk comes in handy for combining ingredients smoothly, such as beating eggs or blending sauces. It ensures an even and consistent texture.
- Knife — Use a sharp knife to slice the eggplant uniformly. Consistent slices are key to even cooking and a balanced flavor distribution.
- Cutting board — A sturdy cutting board is crucial for safe and clean slicing of the eggplant and other ingredients. Opt for a non-slip board to maintain stability.
- Paper towels — Paper towels are useful for patting the eggplant slices dry before coating them. This step removes excess moisture, promoting a crispier texture during cooking.
- Grater — Utilize a grater to freshly grate Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese has a more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged options, enhancing the dish's overall taste.
Ingredients
For the Eggplant
- - 2 large eggplants
- - Salt
For Breading
- - 2 cups breadcrumbs
- - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For the Sauce
- - 2 cups marinara sauce
- - 2 cloves garlic
- - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- - 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Assembly
- - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- - Fresh basil leaves
- - Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Begin by washing the eggplants and trimming off the ends. Slice the eggplants into evenly-thick rounds, approximately 1/4 inch in thickness. This ensures uniform cooking. Place the slices on a rack, sprinkle each side generously with salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness, ensuring your Eggplant Parmesan is rich in flavor and not soggy.
- While waiting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for an easier cleanup. Once the eggplants have released their moisture, pat them dry with paper towels.
- Next, set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, mix together about 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second dish, whisk together 3 large eggs with a tablespoon of water until frothy. In a third dish, combine 2 cups of breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each slice of eggplant into the flour, ensuring it's thoroughly coated and shaking off the excess. Then, immerse it into the egg mixture, followed by a thorough coating with the breadcrumb mix. Place the breaded slices on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the eggplant slices for approximately 20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer one-third of the baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce, followed by another layer of marinara, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and some fresh basil leaves. Repeat these layers, finishing with a layer of sauce topped with cheeses.
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Your exquisite Eggplant Parmesan is now ready to wow your family with its harmonious blend of textures and flavors!
Notes
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Nutritionally, each portion of this Eggplant Parmesan strikes a harmonious balance that fits perfectly within a vegetarian diet.
Each portion provides approximately 14 grams of protein;
About 18 grams of fat, (of which 6 grams are saturated fats);
Carbohydrates around 35 grams per serving;
Dietary fiber, about 8 grams.
Beyond these numbers, Eggplant Parmesan brings various dietary benefits to the table.
With its abundance of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, it aligns well with multiple dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan.
This dish is especially beneficial for those seeking to reduce meat consumption without sacrificing flavor or satiety, demonstrating that balanced and delectable meals can indeed coexist.