Eggplant Parmesan Recipe 🍆🧀🍅
Indulge in the classic Italian comfort food with this delicious Eggplant Parmesan recipe. Layers of crispy eggplant slices, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese come together to create a hearty and satisfying dish. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
2. Prepare the Eggplant: Place the sliced eggplant rounds on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels.
3. Set up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in the third.
4. Bread the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the eggplant slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded eggplant slices on a clean baking sheet.
5. Fry the Eggplant: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the fried eggplant slices to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a single layer of fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over the eggplant slices, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all the eggplant slices are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove the foil from the baking dish and garnish the Eggplant Parmesan with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!
This Eggplant Parmesan recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of pasta or crusty bread for a satisfying meal that everyone will love! 🍆🧀🍅
