16 Authentic Italian Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
If you're in the mood for a hearty and comforting Italian dish, look no further than an authentic eggplant parmigiana. This classic recipe has been passed down through generations in Italy and has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine. Made with layers of breaded and fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and filling meal. Follow this professional and well-organized introduction article to learn how to make your own authentic Italian eggplant parmigiana at home.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
Eggplants are a staple in Italian cuisine, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is through this delicious grilled eggplant recipe. Thinly sliced eggplant is marinated in a flavorful mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to perfection. The smoky char adds a whole new dimension to the eggplant, making it a perfect side dish for any summer barbecue. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a vegetarian option for a complete meal.
2of 20
Italian Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Olive Oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, Bocconcini
This classic Italian dish is a must-try for any eggplant lover. Layers of crispy fried eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese come together to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. The secret to a perfect Eggplant Parmigiana is in the frying technique – make sure to get a nice golden crust on the eggplant slices for maximum flavor and texture. Serve with a side of pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.
3of 20
Parmigiana di Melanzane – Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Canned Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil
A slightly different take on the classic dish, this Eggplant Parmigiana is made with a rich and creamy béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce. The result is a velvety, luxurious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The eggplant is still fried to perfection, but the addition of the béchamel takes it to a whole new level. Trust us, you won't be able to resist going back for seconds.
4of 20
Eggplant Parmigiana Pasta Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Dried
If you love Eggplant Parmigiana but don't want to go through the hassle of frying and layering, this casserole version is for you. Cooked pasta is mixed with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese before being baked to perfection. The result is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. Don't be surprised if you get requests for the recipe!
5of 20
Spicy Pesto Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Chunky Tomato Sauce, Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic Cloves
For those who like a little kick in their dishes, this Spicy Pesto Eggplant Parmigiana is a must-try. The eggplant is coated in a zesty pesto sauce before being fried and layered with tomato sauce and cheese. The result is a flavorful and spicy twist on the classic dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
6of 20
Eggplant Parmigiana Caponata
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Red Bell Peppers, Mozzarella
Caponata is a traditional Sicilian dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers. In this recipe, the caponata is used as a base for a delicious Eggplant Parmigiana. The creamy, tangy flavors of the caponata combine perfectly with the fried eggplant and cheese, creating a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
7of 20
Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Basil Leaves, Parmesan Cheese, Olive Oil
This classic Eggplant Parmigiana recipe stays true to its roots, with layers of fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The key to a perfect dish is in the tomato sauce – make sure to use high-quality canned tomatoes and simmer it for at least an hour for maximum flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests, and it's sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Main Ingredients: Aubergines, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Chopped
Quartieri Spagnoli is a neighborhood in Naples known for its vibrant street life and delicious food. This Aubergine Parmigiana recipe is a nod to the flavors of this bustling Italian neighborhood. The eggplant is fried to perfection before being layered with a rich tomato sauce and plenty of cheese. The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil in the layers takes this dish to a whole new level.
9of 20
Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
This simple and flavorful Grilled Eggplant recipe is a great way to add some variety to your BBQ menu. The eggplant is sliced and marinated in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before being grilled to perfection. The result is a tender and juicy eggplant with a delicious smoky flavor. Serve as a side dish or use it as a topping for grilled sandwiches or pizzas.
10of 20
Bertolli Baked Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Italian Seasoned Dry Bread Crumbs, Grated Parmesan
This Baked Eggplant Parmigiana recipe is a lighter and healthier version of the classic dish. Instead of frying the eggplant, it is baked in the oven with a light coating of breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispy and delicious texture. The dish is then layered with tomato sauce and cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. Serve with a side of salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
11of 20
Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flour, Tomato
This simple and rustic Parmigiana recipe is a staple in many Italian households. The eggplant is sliced, lightly fried, and then baked with layers of tomato sauce and cheese. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and spices. Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a hearty and delicious meal.
12of 20
Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
This no-fuss Fried Eggplant recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner. The eggplant is coated in a simple batter and then fried until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or use it as a topping for your favorite sandwiches. This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover eggplant in your fridge.
13of 20
Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
This hearty and flavorful vegetable casserole is a great way to incorporate eggplant into your diet. Sliced eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes are layered with tomato sauce and cheese, resulting in a delicious and filling dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal. Experiment with different types of vegetables and herbs to create your own version of this Italian classic.
14of 20
Parmigiana Pasta
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Diced Pancetta, Onion, Garlic
If you love both pasta and Eggplant Parmigiana, this recipe is a match made in heaven. Cooked pasta is mixed with a rich tomato sauce, fried eggplant, and plenty of cheese before being baked to perfection. The result is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. Don't be surprised if you get requests for the recipe!
15of 20
Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This Eggplant Ricotta Bake is a lighter and healthier version of the classic Parmigiana. Instead of using mozzarella cheese, ricotta is used for a creamier and lighter result. The eggplant is still fried to perfection and layered with tomato sauce, but the addition of ricotta adds a whole new dimension of flavor. Serve with a side of salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.
16of 20
Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting dish that's also vegetarian, this Eggplant Cacciatore is for you. The eggplant is cooked with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a flavorful tomato sauce, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal. Serve with your favorite grains or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
17of 20
Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
This Italian-inspired Grilled Cheese is a delicious and unique way to enjoy eggplant. Thinly sliced eggplant is grilled until tender and then sandwiched between two slices of crusty bread with plenty of cheese. The result is a gooey and flavorful sandwich that is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
18of 20
Eggplant Parmesan {parmigiana Di Melanzane}
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Eggs, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Pepper
This Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a classic and delicious way to enjoy eggplant. Thinly sliced eggplant is coated in a simple batter and fried until crispy before being baked with layers of tomato sauce and cheese. The addition of Parmesan cheese in the layers takes this dish to a whole new level. Serve with a side of pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
19of 20
Eggplant Parmigiana, Southern Italian-style
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Chopped Parsley, Crushed
This Southern Italian-style Eggplant Parmigiana is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner. The eggplant is fried until crispy before being layered with a rich tomato sauce and plenty of cheese. The addition of Italian sausage in the layers adds a whole new level of flavor. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
20of 20
Melanzane Alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmigiana)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Red Onion, Peeled Tomatoes, Red
This traditional Italian recipe for Eggplant Parmigiana is a must-try for any eggplant lover. Thinly sliced eggplant is fried until crispy and then layered with a rich tomato sauce and plenty of cheese. The layers are then baked until bubbly and golden, resulting in a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. Buon appetito!
Ingredients for Authentic Italian Eggplant Parmigiana
For the eggplant:
Eggplant - 2 large, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
Eggs - 2, beaten
Breadcrumbs - 1 cup
Flour - 1/2 cup
Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper - to taste
Olive oil - for frying
For the tomato sauce:
Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
Crushed tomatoes - 28-ounce can
Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper - to taste
For assembling the eggplant parmigiana:
Mozzarella cheese - 1 cup, shredded
Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup, grated
Fresh basil - for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the eggplant
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
Take each eggplant slice and coat it in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat for all the slices.
In a large skillet, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once hot, add the breaded eggplant slices and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
2. Make the tomato sauce
In the same skillet used to fry the eggplant, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Assemble the eggplant parmigiana
In a baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of the fried eggplant slices on top, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for extra flavor and presentation.
Conclusion
This authentic Italian eggplant parmigiana recipe is a true taste of Italy. With its crispy and flavorful eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it as a main course with a side of pasta or as a hearty appetizer. Either way, you'll be transported to the streets of Italy with every bite.