Best 2 Eggplant Parmesan Light Recipes
Calling all eggplant fans: get ready to indulge in a lighter and healthier version of the classic Eggplant Parmesan. This delectable dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender eggplant slices coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and layered with savory marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Whether you're a seasoned eggplant enthusiast or seeking a healthier alternative to traditional Italian cuisine, this recipe promises a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds delighted.
Discover variations of this beloved dish with our collection of Eggplant Parmesan recipes, each tailored to suit diverse dietary preferences and culinary skills. From a classic Eggplant Parmesan recipe that stays true to the original, to a healthier baked version that utilizes wholesome ingredients, we've got you covered. And for those with a taste for adventure, try our unique Eggplant Parmesan Casserole, a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for family gatherings. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes ensure effortless cooking and delicious results every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the versatility and charm of eggplant.
EGGPLANT PARMESAN LIGHT
This is a yummy Eggplant Parmesan that is baked, not fried... adjust the seasonings to your desire and enjoy! My husband and I can share this dish with very few leftovers, but feel good about it because the bulk of it is veggies!
Provided by MelissaO
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h5m
Yield 2-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds, discarding stem.
- Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Heat skillet to medium-high. Brown eggplant slices in skillet, turning after 2 minutes.
- Mix tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, 2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce mixture on the bottom of a 8 or 9 inch square baking dish. Add a layer of eggplant. Cover eggplant with 1/4 Cup Mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers twice more: sauce, eggplant, cheese.
- Pulse bread in blender or food processor to make medium course bread crumbs. Toast crumbs in hot skillet, stirring frequently to prevent burning. (Or toast bread before processing.) Combine bread crumbs with remaining Italian Seasoning. Layer seasoned crumbs on top of casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook, or cook immediately.
- Bake in oven at 350°F, uncovered, for approximately 45 minutes (or until bubbly).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.2, Fat 17.2, SaturatedFat 9.9, Cholesterol 58.8, Sodium 1879.4, Carbohydrate 47.9, Fiber 14.7, Sugar 18.1, Protein 31.1
LIGHT (BAKED NOT FRIED) EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Eggplant Parmesan is always rich in flavor, but it can also be high in fast since the eggplant is fried. In this recipe, the eggplant bakes with a bread crumb crust before it's layered with San Marzano tomatoes and cheese. It's made with far less fat, but not lacking at all in flavor. You really taste the Parmesan cheese flavor...
Provided by Malinda Coletta
Categories Other Main Dishes
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. To the one can of San Marzano tomatoes, add olive oil, oregano, and salt to taste. If your can of tomatoes is whole or chopped use a blender, or food processor to make into a smooth sauce. Set aside. You do not cook this - trust me it gives the parmesan a FRESH tomato taste!
- 2. Fill one dish with seasoned bread crumbs; fill another one with the eggs and water beaten.
- 3. Start to cut your eggplant. I do not peel mine as we like the flavor of the skin of the Japanese eggplant, if using the Italian style eggplant you may want to peel. (Japanese eggplant is banana-shaped - Italian style is more bulb-shaped). Slice eggplant into 4-inch sections.
- 4. Turn on its side so the round part is facing down and then cut in 1/2 inch slices - you now have a sort of rectangle piece of eggplant NOT a round slice. I do this because it makes it easier to layer.
- 5. Spray 2 cookie sheets with cooking spray.
- 6. Place eggplant in egg wash.
- 7. Then into bread crumbs; shake off excess.
- 8. Fill one tray.
- 9. Spray the battered eggplant with cooking spray.
- 10. Place into pre heated 450F oven on the bottom rack. Repeat for tray two rotate bottom tray to the top. If you have not finished slicing eggplant you can do this while you are waiting for the top rack to finish cooking. No more than 10 mins for each sheet.
- 11. In a 13 x 9 glass baking dish, lightly coat the bottom with the tomato sauce.
- 12. Start by adding a layer of eggplant.
- 13. Next add a layer of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and a bit of salt if you think it needs it.
- 14. Repeat starting with the tomato again, but layer the eggplant going in the opposite direction as the layer before. If you are doing this while the eggplant is cooking in the oven you will save a ton of time! Also keep in mind I do not put a ton of cheese in the layers as we are trying to keep this full flavor - lower calories!
- 15. Once ALL the eggplant is in the dish cover with the remaing tomato sauce and a generous helping of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- 16. Put in the 450F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is brown.
- 17. With the leftovers, I portion out into single servings and place in small freezer bags - grab and go for lunches!
Tips:
- For a crispier eggplant, slice it thinly and dredge it in flour before frying.
- If you don't have marinara sauce, you can use tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or even tomato soup.
- Add a layer of mozzarella cheese to the bottom of your baking dish before adding the eggplant slices. This will help to prevent them from sticking.
- Fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, can add a burst of flavor to your eggplant parmesan. Sprinkle them on top before serving.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-fried eggplant slices.
Conclusion:
Eggplant parmesan is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its combination of crispy eggplant, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese, it's sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.
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