Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan, or Melanzane alla Parmigiana in Italian, is a classic Italian dish that layers crispy breaded eggplant slices with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting and flavorful dish highlights the hearty texture of eggplant and the richness of Italian flavors. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this delicious Eggplant Parmesan at home.

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Ingredients:

For the Eggplant:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• Salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Olive oil, for frying

For Assembly:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

1. Place the sliced eggplant rounds on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Sprinkle both sides of each round with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to release moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Bread the Eggplant:

1. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
2. Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Fry the Eggplant:

1. In a large skillet, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Arrange a single layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce.
4. Spoon marinara sauce over the eggplant slices, followed by slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat the layers: eggplant, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.

5. Bake:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve:

1. Remove the Eggplant Parmesan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
3. Serve hot, accompanied by a side of pasta or crusty bread.

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Conclusion: Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved Italian dish that combines crispy breaded eggplant slices with layers of marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This recipe allows you to create a homemade version of this comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of Eggplant Parmesan with this easy-to-follow recipe. Buon appetito!