Description
Delightful classic eggplant parmesan brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, layering crispy breaded eggplant with rich marinara and melted cheeses. Hearty and satisfying, this dish promises a rustic culinary experience that connects you with traditional Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants (about 500g or 1.1 pounds each)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
Additional Ingredients:
- Salt (for sweating the eggplant)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Salt eggplant rounds to extract excess moisture and reduce bitterness. Allow 30 minutes for liquid extraction, then thoroughly rinse and blot completely dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Create three separate shallow containers for breading process: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, third with seasoned breadcrumbs. Carefully coat each eggplant slice sequentially through flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb layers.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat around 350F. Carefully fry eggplant slices until achieving a rich golden-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer fried pieces onto paper towel-lined plates to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare baking dish by spreading thin marinara sauce layer across bottom. Construct alternating layers: eggplant slices, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan. Repeat layering technique for complete coverage.
- Position oven rack in middle position and preheat to 375F. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring tight seal. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking additional 15 minutes until cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and allow dish to rest 5-7 minutes for easier serving. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves. Cut into generous portions and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Salting eggplant helps remove excess moisture and reduces bitterness, creating a more refined texture and preventing soggy layers.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature when frying to ensure crispy, golden-brown eggplant slices without absorbing too much oil.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more luxurious melting quality that elevates the overall dish’s richness.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg