Here’s a delicious recipe for Eggplant Parmesan—a classic Italian dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and full of rich, savory flavors. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped, for garnish)
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If you prefer, you can peel the eggplants first, but the skin adds texture and flavor. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 20 minutes, pat the slices dry with paper towels.
- Bread the Eggplant: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Dip each eggplant slice first into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
- Fry the Eggplant: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer the fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over each slice, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process to create 2-3 layers, depending on how many eggplant slices you have.
- Bake: After assembling the layers, sprinkle the top with extra mozzarella cheese and a little more grated Parmesan if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve with extra Parmesan on the side.
