20 Italian Breaded Eggplant Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!

Ingredients:

For the eggplant:

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the tomato sauce:

• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the eggplant

Start by slicing the eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides of each slice and let them sit for 30 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture and prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy when fried.

Step 2: Make the tomato sauce

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Bread the eggplant

In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.

Step 4: Fry the eggplant

In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded eggplant slices into the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Place the fried eggplant on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

In a baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the fried eggplant slices on top, then cover with another layer of sauce. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Italian breaded eggplant!

Tip: For a healthier option, you can also bake the breaded eggplant slices instead of frying them. Simply place them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

In conclusion

This Italian breaded eggplant recipe is a crowd-pleasing dish that will transport you to the streets of Italy with every bite. The crispy and flavorful eggplant slices paired with the tangy tomato sauce make for the perfect combination. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with this delicious dish?

Remember to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to achieve the best results. And don't be afraid to add your own twist to the recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Happy cooking!