**Eggplant Parmesan: A Journey of Crispy, Cheesy, and Satisfying Flavors**
Embark on a culinary journey with Eggplant Parmesan, a delightful dish that tantalizes taste buds with its symphony of flavors and textures. This Italian classic, also known as "Parmigiana di Melanzane," is a delectable stack of crispy eggplant slices, layered with savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by the soft and succulent texture of the eggplant, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful sauce. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking a new culinary adventure, this step-by-step guide will empower you to create an unforgettable Eggplant Parmesan experience. Discover the secrets of selecting the perfect eggplant, mastering the art of breading and frying, crafting a luscious tomato sauce infused with fresh herbs, and assembling this iconic dish to perfection. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible vegetarian masterpiece, sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
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!
SIMPLE EGGPLANT PARM
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Arrange the eggplant halves cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Using the tip of a knife, score the flesh of the eggplant, being careful not to cut all the way through. Rub them evenly with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with the salt. Roast until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the eggplant from the oven and divide the marinara evenly over the halves. Sprinkle with the mozzarella. Mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small bowl. Top the eggplant with the breadcrumb mixture and return to the oven until golden brown and bubbly, about 12 minutes. Sprinkle with the basil and pepper flakes.
EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 2h15m
Yield about 4 to 6 main course servi
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Arrange the eggplant slices on several baking sheets and sprinkle generously all over with kosher salt. Set aside to let the bitter juices weep from the eggplant, about 1 hour.
- Transfer the eggplant to a colander in the sink, and rinse well under cold running water. Transfer eggplant to a work surface and blot very dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, breadcrumbs, oregano, thyme, and season with pepper.
- Place the flour in a medium lipped plate or bowl. In another medium bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. Dredge an eggplant slice in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess breading and transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
- In a large straight-sided skillet, pour the oil to a depth of 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it registers 400 degrees F on a deep frying thermometer. (The oil must be heated to 400 degrees F. so that the breaded eggplant, when added, will drop the temperature of the oil to the proper frying temperature of 375 degrees F.)
- Working in small batches, fry the eggplant slices, turning once, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch. Using tongs, transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and season with salt to taste. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly brush a 15 x 10- x 2-inch-baking dish with olive oil. Cover the bottom of the baking dish with 1/3 of the marinara sauce and arrange half of the eggplant over the sauce. Cover the eggplant with another 1/3 of the sauce. Scatter half of the Parmesan and half of the mozzarella over the sauced eggplant. Repeat with the remaining eggplant, sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Bake until hot and just beginning to brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion and garlic, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in the salt and season with pepper to taste. Use immediately, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Yield: about 3 1/2 cups
- Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved
ROASTED EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and arrange three racks evenly spaced.
- Lay the eggplant in one layer on three sheet pans and brush both sides with olive oil, using all the oil. Sprinkle with the oregano, crushing it lightly in your hands, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 tablespoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the slices and rotate the pans in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until tender. Leave the oven at 400 degrees F.
- In a 10 by 14 by 2-inch ceramic baking dish, spread a third of the marinara sauce. Arrange a third of the eggplant on top in one layer. Scatter a third of the basil, a third of the mozzarella, a third of the goat cheese, and a third of the Parmesan on top. Repeat twice, starting with the marinara and ending with the Parmesan, making sure each layer is evenly distributed.
- For the topping, place the bread crumbs, garlic, and basil in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt and pulse to moisten the crumbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dish.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
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
EGGPLANT PARMESAN II
This is a no fry variation of this popular dish, and is just as delicious!
Provided by Dolores Gentner-Ryan
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 487.4 calories, Carbohydrate 62.1 g, Cholesterol 72.8 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 8.8 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 1663.1 mg, Sugar 19.9 g
QUICK EGGPLANT PARMESAN
This eggplant goes well with some steamed green beans and French or Italian bread. Although the recipe calls for seasoned bread crumbs, you can use regular bread crumbs if you wish. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Provided by Candice
Categories Main Dish Recipes Vegetable Main Dish Recipes Eggplant Parmesan Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a small bowl beat the egg and water together. Place the bread crumbs in shallow dish. Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture then in crumbs, being sure to coat thoroughly.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add eggplant slices and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and tender. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over eggplant during last minute of cooking to melt.
- While eggplant is cooking, combine spaghetti sauce and pepper flakes in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Cover with plastic wrap and cook at high power for 2 minutes or until heated through.
- Top eggplant with sauce and Parmesan cheese and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 644 calories, Carbohydrate 63.6 g, Cholesterol 167.2 mg, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 13.1 g, Protein 36.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.3 g, Sodium 1865.7 mg, Sugar 13.8 g
BAKED EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Eggplant slices are coated with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese and baked between layers of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese for a filling Italian-inspired meal. Add fresh garlic and basil to taste. I use 2 to 4 cloves fresh garlic and 5 to 10 leaves of freshly harvested basil in the sauce. Fresh basil layered in one of the layers adds lots of 'fresh' flavor!
Provided by Dollface
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 4h5m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place eggplant slices in a colander; sprinkle both sides of each slice with salt. Allow to sit for at least 3 hours. Wipe excess moisture from eggplant slices with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
- Mix bread crumbs and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
- Dip eggplant slices in beaten egg; coat with bread crumb mixture. Arrange coated eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned and crisp, about 5 minutes per side.
- Cover the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a layer of spaghetti sauce; top with a layer of eggplant slices. Sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon of the remaining Parmesan cheese and 1/3 the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, ending with a cheese layer. Sprinkle with basil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is bubbling and golden brown, about 35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 473.7 calories, Carbohydrate 43.9 g, Cholesterol 118.9 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 29.6 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 2427.6 mg, Sugar 18 g
EASY EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Make and share this Easy Eggplant Parmesan recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Little Bee
Categories Vegetable
Time 55m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Arrange a layer of eggplant slices in a colander. Sprinkle generously with salt. Continue layering and salting all eggplant slices. Let stand 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Dip each eggplant slice in beaten egg, and dredge with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet. Over medium high heat fry eggplant in hot oil about 2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on absorbent paper.
- Preheat oven to temperature 350°F Arrange half the eggplant slices in the bottom of baking dish sprayed lightly with nonstick spray. Spread half the sauce over top. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Repeat layers.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until mixture is bubbly.
Tips:
- Use a large eggplant for this recipe, about 1 1/2 pounds.
- Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Salt the eggplant slices and let them rest for 30 minutes to draw out the bitterness.
- Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry.
- Dredge the eggplant slices in flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry the eggplant slices in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Make the sauce by simmering tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a saucepan.
- Layer the eggplant slices, sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake the eggplant parmesan in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the eggplant parmesan with a side of pasta or salad.
Conclusion:
Eggplant parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian dish. It is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its crispy eggplant, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese, eggplant parmesan is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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