Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 4 cups of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups of marinara sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Large frying pan
- Baking dish
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the sliced eggplants in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
6. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Place the fried slices on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange a layer of eggplant slices on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the eggplant slices are used up, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the eggplant parmesan cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Total fat: 24g
Saturated fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Total carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary fiber: 6g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used instead of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Any type of tomato-based sauce can be used instead of marinara sauce.
- Ricotta cheese can be used instead of mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the layers for extra flavor.
- Use zucchini or yellow squash instead of eggplant.
- Make a meat version by adding cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the layers.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly so that they cook evenly.
- Use a mandoline slicer to make the eggplant slices uniform in thickness.
- Don't overcrowd the frying pan when frying the eggplant slices to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the eggplant parmesan in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the eggplant parmesan on a large platter with fresh basil leaves on top for garnish.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, red wine
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the eggplant slices are too thin, they may become too crispy and dry out during frying.
- If the eggplant slices are too thick, they may not cook through during frying.
- If the eggplant parmesan is too watery, make sure to drain excess moisture from the eggplant slices before breading and frying.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the eggplant parmesan to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that originated in the southern region of Italy. It is traditionally made with breaded and fried eggplant slices, layered with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, and baked until bubbly.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, tomato-y
Serving suggestions:
Serve the eggplant parmesan as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a larger Italian meal.
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Region: Italian