18 Italian Grandma's Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic Italian dish that has been passed down through generations, and each Italian "nonna" or grandma has their own special recipe. However, there is something truly special about the Italian grandma's version of this dish. It is a labor of love, with each step carefully crafted and each ingredient meticulously chosen. In this article, we will take a closer look at one Italian grandma's eggplant parmigiana recipe and see why it is considered the ultimate comfort food for many.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
Add a touch of Italian flair to your grilled eggplant with this delicious recipe. Thick slices of eggplant are marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs, then grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
2of 20
Parmigiana di Melanzane – Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Canned Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil
This classic Italian dish is a must-try for all eggplant lovers. Thinly sliced eggplant is layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
3of 20
Eggplant Parmigiana Pasta Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Dried
If you can't decide between eggplant Parmigiana and pasta, why not have both? This casserole combines the best of both worlds, with layers of eggplant, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce topped with plenty of mozzarella cheese. The perfect comfort food for any occasion.
4of 20
Spicy Pesto Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Chunky Tomato Sauce, Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic Cloves
Take your eggplant Parmigiana to the next level with this spicy twist. A layer of spicy pesto is added to the traditional tomato sauce, giving the dish a delicious kick. Top it off with some fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
5of 20
Eggplant Parmigiana Caponata
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Red Bell Peppers, Mozzarella
This Sicilian-style version of eggplant Parmigiana is a bit different from the traditional recipe. The eggplant is cooked with capers, olives, and tomatoes, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Serve it as a side dish or appetizer, or as a main course with some crusty bread.
6of 20
Italian Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Olive Oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, Bocconcini
This Italian-style eggplant Parmigiana is all about simplicity and flavor. Thinly sliced eggplant is coated in a breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture, then baked until crispy and golden. Top it with some marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a delicious and hearty meal.
7of 20
Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Basil Leaves, Parmesan Cheese, Olive Oil
There's nothing quite like a classic eggplant Parmigiana. This recipe uses a simple but delicious combination of eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Main Ingredients: Aubergines, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Chopped
This Neapolitan-style eggplant Parmigiana is a true crowd-pleaser. Thick slices of eggplant are fried until crispy, then topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for the ultimate Italian comfort food.
9of 20
Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
Grilled eggplant is a great addition to any Italian meal. This simple recipe uses olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs to marinate the eggplant before grilling it to perfection. Serve it as a side dish or use it as a topping for pizza or sandwiches.
10of 20
Bertolli Baked Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Italian Seasoned Dry Bread Crumbs, Grated Parmesan
For a quick and easy version of eggplant Parmigiana, try this recipe using Bertolli sauce. Simply layer eggplant slices with the sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal with friends.
11of 20
Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flour, Tomato
This traditional Italian dish is a must-try for all eggplant lovers. Thinly sliced eggplant is layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
12of 20
Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
If you're looking for a vegetarian version of eggplant Parmigiana, this recipe is for you. Layers of eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, creating a hearty and flavorful casserole that is perfect for any occasion.
13of 20
Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
For a quick and easy side dish or appetizer, try this simple fried eggplant recipe. Thinly sliced eggplant is coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and fried until golden brown. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
14of 20
Parmigiana Pasta
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Diced Pancetta, Onion, Garlic
This unique recipe combines two Italian favorites – eggplant Parmigiana and pasta. Thinly sliced eggplant is layered with pasta and a rich tomato sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
15of 20
Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This rich and creamy eggplant bake is a delicious twist on traditional eggplant Parmigiana. Layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese are baked until bubbly and golden. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish with your favorite Italian meal.
16of 20
Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
If you love eggplant Parmigiana but want to try something a little different, this recipe is for you. The eggplant is cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and mushrooms, giving it a delicious and hearty flavor. Serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread.
17of 20
Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
Add a touch of Italian flair to your grilled cheese sandwich with this delicious recipe. Slices of eggplant are grilled until tender, then sandwiched between two slices of crusty bread with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. The ultimate comfort food for any cheese lover.
18of 20
Eggplant Parmesan {parmigiana Di Melanzane}
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Eggs, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Pepper
This classic Italian dish is a must-try for all eggplant lovers. Thinly sliced eggplant is layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
19of 20
Eggplant Parmigiana, Southern Italian-style
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Chopped Parsley, Crushed
In Southern Italy, eggplant Parmigiana is often made with a layer of fried eggplant instead of baked. This gives the dish a crispy texture and a slightly different flavor. Try this recipe for a taste of authentic Southern Italian cuisine.
20of 20
Melanzane Alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmigiana)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Red Onion, Peeled Tomatoes, Red
This classic Italian dish is a must-try for all eggplant lovers. Thinly sliced eggplant is layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
One of the key factors that sets the Italian grandma's eggplant parmigiana recipe apart is the use of high-quality ingredients. From the ripe, juicy tomatoes to the flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure the best flavor in every bite. The eggplant, a staple in this dish, is often sourced from local farmers' markets or grown in the grandma's own garden. This attention to detail and commitment to using the freshest and best ingredients is what makes this recipe stand out from others.
The Secret to Perfectly Breaded Eggplant
Another important aspect of this dish is the breading of the eggplant. The Italian grandma's recipe typically calls for a simple yet effective breading of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. However, the key is in the technique. The eggplant is first sliced and then placed in a saltwater bath to remove any bitterness. After drying, it is then dipped in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture and fried until golden brown. This process may seem simple, but it is the attention to detail and careful frying that results in perfectly crispy and flavorful eggplant.
The Art of Layering and Sauce
The final step in creating the Italian grandma's eggplant parmigiana is the layering of the dish. The eggplant slices are placed in a casserole dish, topped with a layer of rich tomato sauce, and then sprinkled with a generous amount of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. This process is repeated until the dish is full, and then it is baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The key here is to not skimp on the sauce or cheese, as it is what gives this dish its signature flavor and texture.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the Italian grandma's eggplant parmigiana recipe is a labor of love and a testament to the importance of quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. It is a dish that has stood the test of time and has been passed down through generations, each time with its own unique twist. So next time you have a craving for some hearty and comforting Italian food, try making this recipe and experience the magic of the Italian grandma's cooking for yourself.