Eggplant Parmigiano, or Eggplant Parmesan, is a classic Italian dish that combines the richness of fried eggplant slices with the flavors of tomato sauce and melted cheese. The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a special dinner. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious Eggplant Parmigiano.
SERVES 8
INGREDIENTS:
- Oil for frying
- 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), sliced thin
- 1 cup flour
- 3 eggs, beaten, mixed with 1/2 cup water or milk
- 3 cups bread crumbs
- Four cups Basic Fresh Tomato Sauce or 1 (28-ounce) jar store-bought sauce
- 1 pound part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Chopped Italian parsley or whole fresh basil leaves
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Eggplant: Begin by heating the oil in a heavy skillet or fryer. You’ll want the oil to be about 1/2 inch deep. Test the oil’s readiness by adding a small piece of eggplant; it should sizzle when added.
- Bread the Eggplant Slices: To bread the eggplant slices, follow this sequence for each slice:
- Dip a slice of eggplant in the flour and shake off any excess.
- Next, dip it into the beaten eggs mixed with water or milk, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Finally, press the eggplant slice into the bread crumbs, making sure the crumbs adhere to the surface. Repeat this process for all the eggplant slices.
- Fry the Eggplant: Carefully place the breaded eggplant slices into the hot oil. Fry them until they turn a beautiful golden color, which should take about 3 minutes for each slice. Once fried, transfer the slices to a rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for the final baking step.
- Assemble the Dish: Line the fried eggplant slices in a baking dish. On top of each slice, add a teaspoon of tomato sauce. Then, generously mound shredded mozzarella cheese on each slice.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and has a beautiful golden-brown hue. This should take around 15 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Once baked to perfection, remove the Eggplant Parmigiano from the oven. Serve it hot with additional tomato sauce on the side for those who prefer extra sauciness. Garnish the dish with chopped Italian parsley or whole fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor.
Eggplant Parmigiano is a comforting and hearty dish that beautifully blends crispy fried eggplant with savory tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to ensure your Eggplant Parmigiano turns out just like Nonna used to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to enjoy a taste of Italy at home. Buon appetito!
