In many cultures, Lent is a special time when people often choose to give up meat products in favor of vegetarian alternatives. Eggplant Parmesan is a classic dish of Italian origin known for its richness and delicious flavor. The dish usually consists of slices of eggplant coated in flour and egg wash and fried until golden, then layered with tomato sauce and cheese, and finally baked until golden and crispy. The silky texture of the eggplant is complemented by the sweet and sour taste of the tomato sauce and the richness of the cheese, giving the dish its unique flavor. Often served as a vegetarian dish, this dish is ideal for many people during Lent. It is not only suitable for vegetarians, but also offers a new and delicious experience for meat lovers.Eggplant Parmesan can be served as a mouth-watering main course or with pasta or salad as part of a meal. The cookware needed to make this delicious dish is basically common in home kitchens, including pans, ovens, and baking sheets. Let’s explore how to make this delicious Eggplant Parmesan with these basic cookware!
What are the Benefits of Eggplant Parmesan?
Eggplant Parmesan has a number of health and nutritional benefits. First of all, eggplant is one of the main ingredients of this dish, rich in fiber and antioxidants that help promote digestion and maintain good health. In addition, eggplant is a low-calorie, low-fat and low-cholesterol vegetable for those seeking a healthy diet. Eggplant Parmesan is usually made with ingredients such as tomato sauce and pasta, which are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber and other important nutrients. The tomatoes in tomato sauce are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain heart health and prevent certain chronic diseases. In addition, Eggplant Parmesan’s cooking process allows for the flexibility of using a variety of cookware, such as skillets and ovens. This variety of cooking methods helps to retain the nutritional value of the ingredients while adding flavor and taste to the food. As a result, Eggplant Parmesan is not only tasty but also provides a wealth of nutrients. Its main ingredients, eggplant and tomato paste, provide a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants for those seeking a healthy diet.
Welcome To My Kitchen! Let’s Make Eggplant Parmesan!
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Lay the slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Bread the Eggplant
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each slice is well-coated.
Step 3: Cook the Eggplant
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Alternatively, for a lighter version, arrange the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the eggplant slices over the sauce.
- Top with 1 cup of marinara sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden
Italian culinary culture has a long history and is known for its rich and varied flavors and love of ingredients, and Eggplant Parmesan is one of the masterpieces of Italian culinary culture that demonstrates the exquisite use of ingredients and the passion of Italians for food. At the same time, during the special religious festival of Lent, Eggplant Parmesan becomes the vegetarian dish of choice for many people because of its delicious and nutritious characteristics. During this festival, people show their devotion to their faith by enjoying the food, which also makes this dish an integral part of family dinners and social gatherings. We look forward to you trying and sharing your Eggplant Parmesan culinary experience, whether during Lent or on weekdays, this dish will bring you a delicious feast. Let’s enjoy the charm of Italian cuisine and the joy and warmth of food!
Print
Eggplant Parmesan
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Lay the slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.
- Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Bread the Eggplant
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each slice is well-coated.
Step 3: Cook the Eggplant
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Alternatively, for a lighter version, arrange the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the eggplant slices over the sauce.
- Top with 1 cup of marinara sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Equipment
[220 Sheets] Full Sheet Pan 16 x 24 Inch Parchment Paper Baking Sheets by Baker’s Signature
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Granitestone 14 Inch Family Size Nonstick Frying Pan
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Our Place 10.5-Inch Ceramic Nonstick Skillet Pan
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ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Wooden Serving Boards for Kitchen Meal & Cutting
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- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves between the layers.
- Serve with a side of pasta or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Holidays
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How do I make sure the eggplant is grilled just right, neither too soft nor too hard?
To make sure the eggplant is roasted just right, you can sprinkle the eggplant slices with a pinch of salt before roasting them, let them sit for a few moments, and then pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps reduce the moisture in the eggplant and prevents it from coming out too soggy from the grill. Alternatively, you can check on the eggplant periodically while it is baking to make sure they are getting golden brown and soft, but not overly soft.
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How do I make sure the cheese melts evenly without overcooking during baking?
To ensure that the cheese melts evenly without overcooking, you can cover the baking sheet with tinfoil during the last few minutes of baking and then remove it during the last few minutes to prevent the cheese from browning prematurely. Alternatively, you can choose to use an easy-to-melt cheese, such as mozzarella, to ensure that it melts evenly during the baking process.
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How do I organize my time to ensure that all the steps go smoothly?
In order to organize your time wisely, it is recommended that you prepare all the ingredients before you start cooking and have a clear plan for the entire preparation process. This will avoid time conflicts during the preparation process and ensure that each step can be carried out smoothly. Alternatively, you can estimate the time required for each step in advance and ensure that you have enough time to complete each step before you start cooking.
