The classic Italian dish of Eggplant Parmigiana, also known as Eggplant Parmesan, is a delicious and hearty meal that is loved by many. While there are many variations of this dish, the best Italian Eggplant Parmigiana recipe is one that is made with fresh ingredients and a lot of love. This recipe will transport you to the streets of Italy with its rich flavors and comforting aroma. Here's how you can make the perfect Eggplant Parmigiana in your own home.
Preparing the eggplant
Eggplant selection is key
When making Eggplant Parmigiana, it is important to choose the right kind of eggplant. Look for eggplants that are firm and shiny with no bruises or blemishes. The best eggplants for this dish are the ones that are medium to large in size and have a deep purple color. Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds and sprinkle
kosher salt on both sides to draw out any excess moisture.
Properly draining the eggplant
After salting the eggplant slices, place them in a colander and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will help to remove any bitterness from the eggplant and also prevent the dish from becoming too watery. Gently rinse the slices and pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe.
The sauce makes all the difference
Making a homemade marinara sauce
While you can certainly use store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe, making a homemade sauce will take your Eggplant Parmigiana to the next level. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano to create a flavorful and vibrant sauce that will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Add some heat
For an extra kick of flavor, add some
red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce. This will add a subtle heat and depth to the sauce, making it even more delicious.
Building the layers
Bread the eggplant slices
Before frying the eggplant, dip each slice in beaten eggs and then coat them in a mixture of
breadcrumbs,
parmesan cheese, and
Italian seasoning. This will give the eggplant a crispy and flavorful outer layer.
Alternate layers
In a baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer the fried eggplant slices, followed by more sauce,
mozzarella cheese, and
parmesan cheese. Repeat this process until you have used up all the ingredients, making sure to end with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
Baking to perfection
Cover and bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to combine.
Uncover and bake again
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy!
Once the Eggplant Parmigiana is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like
basil and
parsley for a beautiful presentation. Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete Italian meal. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its traditional flavors and homemade touch. So, go ahead and give it a try for a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.
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<intro>The classic Italian dish of Eggplant Parmigiana, also known as Eggplant Parmesan, is a delicious and hearty meal that is loved by many. While there are many variations of this dish, the best Italian Eggplant Parmigiana recipe is one that is made with fresh ingredients and a lot of love. This recipe will transport you to the streets of Italy with its rich flavors and comforting aroma. Here's how you can make the perfect Eggplant Parmigiana in your own home.</intro>
<h2>Preparing the eggplant</h2>
<h3><b>Eggplant</b> selection is key</h3>
When making Eggplant Parmigiana, it is important to choose the right kind of eggplant. Look for eggplants that are firm and shiny with no bruises or blemishes. The best eggplants for this dish are the ones that are medium to large in size and have a deep purple color. Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds and sprinkle <b>kosher salt</b> on both sides to draw out any excess moisture.
<h3>Properly <b>draining</b> the eggplant</h3>
After salting the eggplant slices, place them in a colander and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will help to remove any bitterness from the eggplant and also prevent the dish from becoming too watery. Gently rinse the slices and pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe.
<h2>The <b>sauce</b> makes all the difference</h2>
<h3>Making a <b>homemade</b> marinara sauce</h3>
While you can certainly use store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe, making a homemade sauce will take your Eggplant Parmigiana to the next level. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano to create a flavorful and vibrant sauce that will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
<h3>Add some <b>heat</b></h3>
For an extra kick of flavor, add some <b>red pepper flakes</b> to your marinara sauce. This will add a subtle heat and depth to the sauce, making it even more delicious.
<h2>Building the layers</h2>
<h3><b>Bread</b> the eggplant slices</h3>
Before frying the eggplant, dip each slice in beaten eggs and then coat them in a mixture of <b>breadcrumbs</b>, <b>parmesan cheese</b>, and <b>Italian seasoning</b>. This will give the eggplant a crispy and flavorful outer layer.
<h3>Alternate <b>layers</b></h3>
In a baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer the fried eggplant slices, followed by more sauce, <b>mozzarella cheese</b>, and <b>parmesan cheese</b>. Repeat this process until you have used up all the ingredients, making sure to end with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
<h2>Baking to perfection</h2>
<h3>Cover and <b>bake</b></h3>
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to combine.
<h3>Uncover and <b>bake</b> again</h3>
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
<h2>Serve and enjoy!</h2>
Once the Eggplant Parmigiana is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like <b>basil</b> and <b>parsley</b> for a beautiful presentation. Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete Italian meal. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its traditional flavors and homemade touch. So, go ahead and give it a try for a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.
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