Parma Eggplant, also known as "Melanzane alla Parmigiana" in Italian, is a delectable dish that combines the flavors of eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese. Originating from the southern Italian region of Campania, this dish has become a beloved classic in Italian cuisine. It is typically made with thinly sliced eggplant that is coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then pan-fried until golden brown. The fried eggplant slices are then layered in a baking dish with a flavorful tomato sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This recipe article provides two variations of this classic dish: the traditional method of frying the eggplant slices and a healthier version that uses a combination of grilling and baking. Both recipes offer step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of creating this mouthwatering dish. Whether you prefer the traditional or the healthier version, this article has everything you need to make an authentic Italian Parma Eggplant that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Let's cook with our recipes!
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA
I really think this is what I would eat for my last meal on Earth. It's so simple and, when done right, sublime. I cannot stop eating this!
Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli
Categories main-dish
Time 2h45m
Yield 4 and 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- For the tomato sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and season with salt and red pepper flakes. Cook until the onions become translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the sugar and the canned tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to break up some of the whole tomatoes and cook 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat, stirring from time to time. Taste for seasoning, the tomatoes should be fairly broken down and the flavors coming together. Cook for another few minutes if the tomatoes still taste like they need a little more time to break down. Set aside to cool.
- For the eggplant (this step is optional, leave it out if you have limited time): Arrange the eggplant rounds in a single layer on 2 baking sheets. Sprinkle with salt on both sides of each slice and allow it to sit for about 1 hour. Salting it draws out the liquid and bitter flavor. After an hour, rinse with cold water and dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
- Put the flour in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk and season with salt and pepper. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the oregano and fresh thyme leaves and season with salt and pepper. Dip each eggplant slice in the flour and shake off any excess. Then, dip in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat both sides of each slice of eggplant. Arrange them in single layers on the baking sheets.
- In a large skillet, pour enough oil to accumulate about 1/2-inch in the bottom. Heat the oil until it begins to smoke lightly (alternatively, test with a thermometer and wait until the oil registers between 380 degrees F and 400 degrees F). Use a pair of kitchen tongs to add a single layer of the eggplant to the pan. Cook them until they are golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the oil and transfer to a baking sheet fitted with a kitchen towel so the eggplant can drain as the others cook. Season lightly with salt. Take care to reheat the oil back up to temperature before adding another batch of slices to the pan.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- To assemble: In a 9 by 13-inch flameproof baking dish, spoon about 1/4 of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Top with a layer of the fried eggplant; the eggplant slices can overlap slightly. Top with about 1/3 of the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with about 1/4 of the Parmesan and provolone cheeses. Top with a layer of torn basil leaves. Spoon sauce and repeat the layering 2 more times to make 3 layers. End with the remaining mozzarella. Carefully press the layers down firmly into the dish once assembled. Place the dish in the top part of the oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes. For extra browning, put the dish under the broiler for a minute or two just before serving to get an extra brown cheesy top. I always nibble on a bit of that before sharing it with my friends!
EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PARMESAN
this is a recipe i never thought i would like. but i LOVE it! it is so easy to make. sometimes i serve it over pasta, sometimes not. it's up to you. i have added meat to my spaghetti sauce before, but that really isn't necessary either because the eggplant is a meat substitute.
Provided by bratty
Categories Vegetable
Time 40m
Yield 1-2 eggplant slices, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- mix egg and milk together in bowl, blend.
- heat olive oil in med frying pan.
- dip eggplant slices into egg/milk mixture.
- dip eggplant into breadcrumbs.
- place 4 slices at a time, into olive oil in frying pan.
- fry eggplant on each side, until each side is golden brown (you want them crispy, not mushy).
- remove eggplant from skillet, and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- repeat dipping and frying proces with other 4 eggplant slices.
- place 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce into 9x13 casserole dish.
- place eggplant into bottom of cassserole.
- pour spaghetti sauce over top of eggplant.
- sprinkle mozzarella/parmesan cheese over top of spaghetti sauce.
- bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- serve over pasta if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 378.9, Fat 30.2, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 26, Sodium 297.5, Carbohydrate 23, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 5.5, Protein 5.1
JUDY'S EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PARM
This is my mother-in-law's eggplant parm, and it is incredible. Simple ingredients yield a dish filled with complexity of flavors. While it is easy to prepare, it is also labor-intensive... all that eggplant frying takes some time! It is definitely worth the results. Serve with some bread or foccacia to soak up those wonderful juices. This dish can also be assembled ahead of time, and refrigerated until ready to pop in the oven. It also freezes well (unbaked).
Provided by skat5762
Categories Vegetable
Time 2h5m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Slice eggplant lengthwise 3/8-inch thick.
- Salt both sides, and stack upright in colander.
- Set colander in sink, or set in tray to catch drippings.
- Let sweat for 30 minutes.
- Remove, rinse and pat eggplant dry.
- Place olive oil in pan, about 1 1/2 inches worth.
- Heat until oil is quite hot, but not smoking.
- Dredge eggplant on both sides in flour.
- Place in pan, not overlapping, until golden brown.
- Flip and continue frying until other side is golden brown.
- Remove, drain, and place on paper towels.
- Repeat with remaining eggplant.
- Meanwhile, as eggplant is being fried, place tomatoes, salt and olive oil in another pan.
- Turn to low, or low-medium, and let simmer as you fry the eggplant.
- Cook down until tomatoes are reduced by half.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Smear bottom and sides of (approximately 11X7 baking dish, ceramic preferred) baking dish with butter.
- Place a single layer, overlapping, of eggplant in bottom of dish.
- Dot with cooked tomato.
- Cover with layer of mozzarella, sprinkle quite liberally with grated parm, and snip basil leaves across.
- Repeat process, finishing with a layer of eggplant on top.
- Sprinkle with remaining parm and place dish in upper third of oven.
- Check dish after 20 minutes.
- If there is too much liquid being released, remove excess with spoon.
- Cook for another 15 minutes.
- Let rest before serving.
- For a wonderful freezer meal:.
- To freeze: Cover dish with foil and freeze. When frozen you can pop it out of the container and put in a freezer bag if desired. Individual portions can be cut and microwaved as well for a quick meal!
- To heat: Thaw and preheat oven to 350°F Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more.
PARMA EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)
This is one of the better Eggplant dishes I've had. The ham really makes all the difference. If you cant find Parma Ham use a nice smoked ham.
Provided by Diana Adcock
Categories Ham
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- If the eggplants are fresh slice them into 3/4 inch slices, unpeeled.
- If not so fresh peel and then slice.
- Sprinkle the slices with salt and place on 3 layers of paper towels.
- Let stand for 3 hours.
- Remove from wet towels and pat dry.
- Heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a large heavy skillet-cast iron if youve got it.
- Add a few slices of the eggplant and cook to nicely browned on both sides.
- Repeat until done and add more oil as needed.
- Let the cooked eggplant drain on more paper towels.
- In a medium sized casserole dish make a layer on the bottom with 1/2 of the eggplant, then 1/2 of the ham, 1/2 of the peppers, 1/2 of the oregano, 1/2 of the parmesan and 1/2 of the sauce.
- Salt and pepper lightly and repeat layers.
- Bake for around 40 to 50 minutes or until hot, bubbly and the cheese lightly browned.
TRADITIONAL EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA
Layers of rich red sauce, meaty fried eggplant, and melted cheese... Are you hungry yet? Our method for eggplant parmigiana is sure to satisfy.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Vegetarian Recipes
Time 2h
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a colander, toss eggplant with 2 teaspoons salt. Let stand 30 minutes. Arrange slices in a single layer on a dish towel and roll up tightly to extract excess water.
- Meanwhile, in a medium pot, bring tomatoes and garlic to a boil. Reduce heat and cook at a rapid simmer until thickened, 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Put flour and eggs in two more shallow dishes. Coat eggplant in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large straight-sided skillet, heat oil over medium-high (a few breadcrumbs should sizzle when added). In batches, fry eggplant until golden brown and tender, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet.
- Spread 1 cup tomato sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with half the eggplant, overlapping slices slightly, 2 cups sauce, and half the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella, then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese is golden, about 30 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 447 g, Fat 25 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 4 g
MARTHA STEWART'S BAKED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PARMESAN
I make this regularly. I just wanted to have this on hand. NOTE: I use more egg and bread crumbs than suggested
Provided by Sana7149
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Brush 2 baking sheets with oil; set aside.
- In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and 2 tablespoons water.
- In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, and basil; season with salt and pepper.
- Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge in breadcrumb mixture, coating well; place on baking sheets.
- Bake until golden brown on bottom, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Turn slices; continue baking until browned on other side, 20 to 25 minutes more.
- Remove from oven; raise oven heat to 400°F.
- Spread 2 cups sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange half the eggplant in dish; cover with 2 cups sauce, then 1/2 cup mozzarella.
- Repeat with remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella; sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
- Bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
- Note: To make Chunky Tomato Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring frequently, until translucent, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Crush 2 cans whole tomatoes (28 ounces each) into pan; add 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.1, Fat 10.1, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 72.4, Sodium 1351.7, Carbohydrate 26.1, Fiber 7.9, Sugar 12, Protein 15.5
EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PARMESAN (EASY!)
I'm the only one in my household that likes eggplant, so when I found this easy recipe years ago, I held onto it tight. Adjust the cheese amounts to suit yourself.
Provided by GinnyP
Categories Vegetable
Time 55m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray or lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Spread 1/2 c sauce in pan.
- Peel eggplant and slice 1/2" thick.
- Arrange 1/2 the slices in the baking pan.
- Top with 1/2 c sauce, 1/2 the mozzarella, the remainder of the eggplant slices, and the remainder of the sauce.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake 45 to 55 minutes.
- Top with the remainder of the mozzarella and the parmesan and return to oven, uncovered, under the broiler, until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
EASY CHICKEN EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PARMESAN
This recipe is an easy recipe because you don't cook the chicken or the eggplant before putting them in the casserole. It's also easy because you use sauce from a jar. Of course, you can use your favorite homemade pasta sauce if desired.
Provided by GrandmaIsCooking
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Peel and slice eggplant.
- Lay between two layers of paper towels for 15-20 minutes to drain moisture from eggplant, then discard paper towels.
- Line bottom of 13x9 inch baking dish with the chicken breast slices.
- Cover chicken with the eggplant slices.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over eggplant.
- Cover breadcrumbs with mozzarella cheese slices (or grated if you prefer).
- Pour marinara sauce over cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.
JAMIE OLIVER'S EGGPLANT PARMESAN
This recipe is an adaptation of one found in Jamie Oliver's book, "Jamie's Italy." It's a healthier version than the traditional Italian-American juggernaut; it omits breading and frying the eggplant, and instead calls for roasting the eggplant until golden brown.
Provided by Marian Burros
Categories dinner, weekday, main course
Time 1h45m
Yield 4 to 5 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with oil, and place in a single layer on two or more baking sheets. Bake until undersides are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes, then turn and bake until other sides are lightly browned. Set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and add onion. Sauté until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and dried oregano and sauté another 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and their juices, breaking up whole tomatoes with your hands. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add vinegar, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Into a 9-by-9-inch, 10-by-5-inch or 10-by-6-inch baking pan, spoon a small amount of tomato sauce, then add a thin scattering of parmigiano, then a single layer of eggplant. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a little sauce and a sprinkling of parmigiano. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and oregano, if using, with just enough olive oil to moisten. Sprinkle on top. If desired, recipe can be made to this point and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking.
- Bake until eggplant mixture is bubbly and center is hot, 30 to 45 minutes depending on size of pan and thickness of layers. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Recipe can also be reheated.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 268, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 1283 milligrams, Sugar 18 grams
EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PARMESAN
This is an adopted recipe from MeanChef, a former member, his version of a popular dish. No frying involved, so it is healthier for you! A nice easy recipe. Personally, I like to dredge the oiled slices of eggplant in fine dry breadcrumbs before roasting it in the oven, then I put the sauce in the dish, layer the eggplant, mozzarella (thin slices) top with more sauce, more cheese until I have used the amount I prefer; as noted in the reviews, most chefs use less cheese than specified in the recipe. To me a recipe is a guide that I make 'my way' ! I often add dried basil in the sauce when I don't have fresh basil to layer. I don't add salt, I find the sauce and cheeses are salty enough for my tastes.
Provided by Elly in Canada
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Slice eggplant into rounds at least 1/4 inch thick.
- Brush rounds with olive oil on both sides, sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast at 425 degrees on a parchment lined sheet pan until completely cooked.
- In a casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, a layer of eggplant, a layer of marinara, a layer of mozzarella, a layer of basil and a layer of parmesan.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Bake in a 375 degree oven until the casserole is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Choose ripe, firm eggplants. Look for eggplants that are deep purple in color and have smooth, shiny skin. Avoid eggplants that are bruised or have blemishes.
- Slice the eggplants evenly. This will help them cook evenly. If the eggplant slices are too thick, they will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
- Salt the eggplant slices. This will help to draw out the moisture from the eggplant and prevent it from becoming soggy. Make sure to rinse the eggplant slices thoroughly after salting them.
- Use a variety of toppings. The toppings you use on your eggplant parmesan will greatly affect the flavor of the dish. Some popular toppings include:
- Tomato sauce
- Cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Herbs
- Garlic
- Bake the eggplant parmesan until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that the eggplant is cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Conclusion:
Eggplant parmesan is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover eggplant, and it can also be made ahead of time and reheated. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be an eggplant parmesan recipe that everyone will love.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love