Ingredients
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
– Salt, for sweating the eggplant
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs, beaten
– 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
– 3 cups marinara sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
– Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Making Eggplant Parmesan is straightforward if you follow these clear steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Eggplant: Place the sliced eggplant in a colander. Sprinkle salt over each slice to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the salt off the eggplant slices under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture.
4. Set Up the Breading Station: Set out three bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano and basil.
5. Bread the Eggplant: Dip each slice of eggplant into flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Ensure they are evenly coated.
6. Fry the Eggplant: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You might need to do this in batches.
7. Layer the Eggplant: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of fried eggplant over it, then top with more sauce and a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Repeat Layers: Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Cool and Serve: Once done, let the dish cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set nicely.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 15g