Delicious Eggplant Parmesan: A Classic Italian Favorite

Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved dish that combines the richness of eggplant with the flavors of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. This comforting Italian classic is easy to prepare and makes for a perfect dinner party meal or family-friendly weeknight recipe.

Preparation time: 45 minutes; Cooking time: 30 minutes; Servings: 6

Ingredients You Will Need:

1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
3 cups breadcrumbs
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
2 cans of crushed tomatoes with basil and garlic (about 28 ounces total)
3 cups mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Start by preparing your eggplant slices. Pat them dry with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, which will help the coating adhere better.
Mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten eggs in a shallow dish. This mixture serves as the coating for the eggplant slices.
Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add half of the eggplant slices to the hot skillet and fry them until golden brown on both sides. Remove the fried pieces from the pan, place them in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
Repeat this process for the remaining eggplant slices, adding more oil to the skillet as needed until all are fried and placed aside. While your eggplant is cooking, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
In a large shallow dish or bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes with basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes if you wish for that extra heat. Pour this sauce over the fried eggplant slices.
Top each layer of eggplant with a slice of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle a little bit more Parmesan on top to add extra flavor.
Bake your layered dish in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, garnish the top with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh parsley sprigs before serving hot!

How to Enhance Eggplant Parmesan:

To make your Eggplant Parmesan even more delightful, try these tips:

Cooking Time Variations: You can adjust the cooking time based on how crispy you like your eggplants. A longer cook will result in crispier slices.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy more heat, include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Vegetarian Alternative: If you prefer a meatless version, use firm tofu or tempeh instead of eggplant and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Leftovers: This dish tastes even better after being refrigerated overnight. The flavors meld together, creating an even more delightful experience.

Nutritional Information:

Eggplant Parmesan is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. It also provides a healthy dose of protein from the mozzarella cheese while being low on fat when prepared without excess oil or cream. However, it’s important to note that this dish can be high in sodium due to added salt during cooking and processing.

Conclusion:

Eggplant Parmesan is not just a meal; it's an experience. Its versatility allows you to adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences, whether you're looking for something simple or adding more complex flavors. Serve this classic Italian dish alongside a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete feast.