Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. This recipe layers crispy, breaded eggplant slices with rich marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, and the combination of textures—from the tender eggplant to the crispy coating—will delight your taste buds. Whether served on its own or as a side dish to pasta, this Eggplant Parmesan is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick slices.
3. In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
4. In another shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Dip each eggplant slice into the eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
6. Place the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce.
8. Arrange a layer of baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce.
9. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
10. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

1. Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative like vegan mozzarella and skip the Parmesan to make the dish vegan-friendly.
2. Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
4. Herb Variation: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or dried oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
5. Baked Option: For a lighter version, skip the frying and bake the eggplant slices directly in the oven until crispy.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method will maintain the crispiness of the breading.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen eggplant for this recipe? It’s best to use fresh eggplant for this dish, as frozen eggplant may release too much water during baking.
2. How do I prevent the eggplant from being too soggy? Be sure to bake the eggplant slices until golden brown before layering them with sauce. This helps to crisp up the eggplant and prevents sogginess.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the eggplant slices and layer the dish in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate, then bake it when ready to serve.
4. What can I use instead of marinara sauce? You can substitute marinara with any tomato-based sauce such as arrabbiata, pizza sauce, or even a homemade tomato sauce.
5. Can I fry the eggplant instead of baking? Yes, frying the breaded eggplant slices in hot oil for a few minutes on each side will give them a crispy texture. Be sure to drain them on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Yes, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be layered along with the eggplant for added flavor and texture.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet? Traditional breading and pasta are not suitable for a strict low-carb diet. However, you could try using almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version of the breading.
8. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
9. Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella? Yes, ricotta or provolone cheese are great alternatives, or you can even mix them for a more complex flavor.
10. Can I make this dish spicier? Absolutely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breading or sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic and comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and flavorful. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try one of the many variations, this dish is easy to prepare and makes a perfect meal for any occasion. The crispy, golden-brown eggplant slices combined with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!

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