Endless Love Eggplant Parmesan
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Imagine a dish that embodies warmth and comfort, a perfect blend of flavors that leave you savoring every bite. This Eggplant Parmesan is exactly that! With layers of tender eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a culinary embrace that feels like home. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner for two, this recipe will surely become a cherished favorite.
This Eggplant Parmesan is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of love for food. The eggplant is breaded to golden perfection and then layered with a homemade marinara sauce that brings a tangy sweetness to the dish. It’s like a love letter to your taste buds, with every forkful being a delightful surprise.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with someone special, this dish has the power to elevate any occasion.
Preparation of Eggplant
To achieve the perfect texture for your Eggplant Parmesan, start by preparing the eggplant slices.
Sprinkle them with salt and let them rest for about 30 minutes.
This process helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring crispy results.
After resting, rinse the slices and pat them dry.
This step is essential for achieving that delightful crunch when frying.
Breading the Eggplant Slices
Next, focus on the breading process.
Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, which helps create a barrier for the egg mixture.
Then dip the slices into beaten eggs, ensuring even coverage.
Finally, coat them with breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano and basil.
This combination adds depth of flavor that complements the eggplant beautifully.
Frying for Crispiness
With your eggplant slices breaded, it’s time to fry them.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Fry the eggplant slices in batches until they turn golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once fried, drain the slices on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
This step is vital for maintaining that delightful crunch throughout the dish.
Assembling the Layers
Now comes the fun part: assembling your Eggplant Parmesan!
Start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce in a rustic baking dish.
Layer the fried eggplant, followed by mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Continue layering until you’ve used up all the ingredients, making sure to finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
This ensures a wonderfully bubbly and golden finish when baked.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the assembled dish inside.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!
Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
This adds a vibrant touch and enhances the overall presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Eggplant Parmesan hot, alongside crusty bread for dipping.
This pairing complements the dish perfectly, making every bite a delight.
It’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
The warm colors and inviting aroma create a welcoming atmosphere at any table.
Your guests will surely be impressed and satisfied with this hearty meal.
A Heartfelt Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
This Eggplant Parmesan is a comforting dish with crispy eggplant slices, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Each layer is packed with flavor, creating a harmonious blend that is satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- Bread the Eggplant: Dredge each slice in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano and basil.
- Fry the Eggplant: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, then layer with fried eggplant, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
