Eggplant Parmesan is a dish made with thinly sliced eggplant that is breaded and fried until crispy, then layered with tomato sauce and cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. The eggplant is tender and flavorful, and the combination of tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese is irresistible.
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Prep-Time – 1 hr 30 minutes Serving-Size – 6 Servings
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
- Coat each eggplant slice in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Coat the eggplant slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the eggplant to adhere.
- Repeat with remaining eggplant slices.
- Heat 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the eggplant to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of fried eggplant slices on top of the tomato sauce.
- Spoon tomato sauce over the eggplant, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process until all the eggplant is used up.
- Bake the eggplant Parmesan for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Relevant Notes & Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded eggplant slices instead of frying them.
- Make sure to slice the eggplant thinly and evenly for even cooking.
- You can use homemade or store-bought tomato sauce for this recipe.
- Serve the Eggplant Parmesan with a side of pasta or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
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