Craving a comforting Italian classic that’s both hearty and healthy? Look no further than this mouthwatering Instant Pot Eggplant Parmesan! With layers of tender eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it easier than ever to whip up this delicious recipe in just 40 minutes! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll love how simple it is to create this restaurant-quality meal at home. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to elevate your dinner game with this delightful dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the eggplants. Slice the two medium eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle them generously with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
- After 10 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help ensure they are not too salty and will improve their texture.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each eggplant slice in olive oil on both sides, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Set the coated eggplant slices aside on a plate.
- Turn on your Instant Pot and select the 'Sauté' function. Once it is hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Working in batches, add the breaded eggplant slices to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. You may need to add more olive oil for subsequent batches. Remove the cooked eggplant slices and set them aside.
- After all the eggplant slices are cooked, pour a small amount of marinara sauce into the bottom of the Instant Pot to prevent sticking. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Layer half of the cooked eggplant slices over the marinara sauce in the pot. Top with half of the remaining marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining eggplant slices, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, creating a final layer with the cheeses on top.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' function and set the cooking time for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check that the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you desire a crispier top, you can transfer the contents to an oven-safe dish and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden.
- Let the Eggplant Parmesan cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Eggplant Parmesan!
Tips
- Salt the Eggplant: Don’t skip the salting step! It removes excess moisture and bitterness, resulting in a more flavorful and better-textured dish.
- Breadcrumb Coating: For an extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They add a delightful texture to your eggplant slices.
- Layering: Make sure to layer the ingredients evenly in the Instant Pot. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and that the cheese melts perfectly.
- Natural Release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery.
- Broil for Crispiness: If you love a crispy top, transfer the dish to an oven-safe dish after cooking and broil for a few minutes. This will give you that golden, bubbly finish that’s irresistible!
- Garnish: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan before serving for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Instant Pot Eggplant Parmesan, and watch as it becomes a new favorite in your home!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
