Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Eggplant Parmesan, or Melanson allay Parmigiana, is a timeless Italian classic. This dish combines crispy eggplant slices, layers of rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make the perfect Eggplant Parmesan!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

For the Eggplant

  • 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 tsp salt, for sweating the eggplant

For Breading the Eggplant

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Assembling the Dish

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for layering
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

For Frying

  • Olive oil, enough for shallow frying

Directions

This recipe is broken down into a few simple steps for perfect results.

1. Prepare the Eggplant

  1. Slice the Eggplant: Cut the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  2. Sweat the Eggplant: Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and reduce bitterness.
  3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt. Pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Bread the Eggplant

  1. Set Up a Breading Station: Prepare three bowls.
    • Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
    • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
    • Bowl 3: A mix of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Coat the Eggplant: Dredge each slice in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.

3. Fry the Eggplant

  1. Heat the Oil: Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat.
  2. Fry in Batches: Fry the eggplant slices for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  3. Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried eggplant on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

4. Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Layer the Ingredients:
    • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
    • Add a layer of fried eggplant slices.
    • Top with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
    • Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  3. Season the Top: Sprinkle dried basil and oregano over the top layer.

5. Bake the Dish

  1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  2. Cool Slightly: Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do you sweat the eggplant?

Sweating the eggplant helps to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness. It ensures the slices stay crispy after frying.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed.

3. Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying it?

Absolutely! To bake, coat the breaded eggplant slices with a light spray of cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Is there a gluten-free option?

For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

6. Can I freeze Eggplant Parmesan?

Yes! Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

Eggplant Parmesan is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table. From the crispy fried eggplant to the melty layers of cheese, every bite is a celebration of rich, hearty flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to please any crowd.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of homemade Eggplant Parmesan fill your kitchen. Buon appetito!

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