Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey with Bittis Fresh Eggplant Parmesan - the ultimate comfort food that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Italian feast! This irresistible dish combines crispy breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and a decadent blend of melted cheeses that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results that will impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplant by washing and slicing into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them rest on paper towels for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels to remove excess salt and moisture.
- Dredge each eggplant slice first in the seasoned flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Place fried slices on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer the fried eggplant slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly. Cover with marinara sauce, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layering until all eggplant slices are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Tips
- Pro cooking tips for the perfect Eggplant Parmesan:
- Salt and drain your eggplant slices for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy texture when frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350-375°F for perfectly golden-brown breading without absorbing too much oil.
- Don't skip the resting time after baking - it helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or garlic powder to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Choose fresh, firm eggplants with smooth, shiny skin for the best results.
- If you want a lighter version, you can bake the breaded eggplant slices instead of frying them.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated cheeses for maximum flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
