Description
Eggplant Parmesan is a comforting Italian dish that layers crispy eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella, creating a delightful meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice eggplants into ½-inch rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let sit in a colander for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Rinse off salt, pat dry, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and fry each eggplant slice until golden brown (3-4 minutes per side).
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, layer fried eggplant, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed spinach or zucchini between the layers.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier alternative while maintaining crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg