15 Italian Recipe Made With Eggplant Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is often the star ingredient in many traditional Italian dishes, such as eggplant parmesan and caponata. Not only is eggplant delicious, but it also has numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice for many Italian recipes. In this article, we will explore one of the most beloved Italian recipes made with eggplant and how you can recreate it at home.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
This simple yet flavorful recipe starts with marinating eggplant slices in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs. Then, they are grilled until tender and topped with fresh mozzarella and chopped tomatoes. Serve them as a side dish or as a topping for bruschetta.
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Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Celery, Bulb Fennel
This traditional Italian dish is made with eggplant, tomatoes, capers, olives, and a variety of herbs and spices. The eggplant is cooked until tender and then combined with the other ingredients to create a sweet and tangy relish. Serve it with crackers or crostini for a tasty appetizer.
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Italian Sausages with Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Zucchini, Eggplant
Ratatouille is a classic French dish, but it pairs perfectly with Italian flavors. In this recipe, Italian sausages are grilled and served with a hearty ratatouille made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
This recipe takes grilled eggplant to the next level by topping it with a delicious mixture of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and herbs. The eggplant is grilled until tender and then stuffed with the sausage mixture and topped with melted mozzarella. It's a perfect dish for a summer cookout.
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Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
If you're looking for a simple yet delicious way to prepare eggplant, this recipe is for you. Slices of eggplant are coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, and then fried until golden brown. Serve them as an appetizer or side dish.
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Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
This hearty casserole is packed with layers of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with mozzarella cheese. It's a great way to use up summer vegetables and makes a delicious vegetarian main dish.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This rich and creamy dish features layers of grilled eggplant, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It's a perfect comfort food dish and can be served as a main dish or a side dish.
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Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
This classic Italian dish is usually made with chicken, but eggplant makes a tasty vegetarian version. The eggplant is cooked in a rich tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and served over pasta. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
This unique twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich features grilled eggplant slices, mozzarella cheese, and sundried tomato pesto. It's a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
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Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Black
For a healthier twist on traditional lasagna, try using grilled eggplant slices instead of pasta. Layer them with a rich meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Simple Moist Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
This recipe takes traditional fried eggplant to the next level by first soaking the slices in milk before coating them in breadcrumbs and frying them. The result is a moist and flavorful dish that's perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
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Paleo Italian Breaded Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Large Egg, Arrowroot Flour, Sea Salt, Ground
If you're following a paleo diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious Italian flavors. This recipe uses almond flour and Italian herbs to create a flavorful breading for the eggplant, which is then baked until crispy. Serve it with your favorite paleo-friendly marinara sauce for a guilt-free treat.
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Italian Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Butter, Italian Sausage, Onion, Cloves
This colorful casserole is packed with a variety of vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all seasoned with Italian herbs. It's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies and makes a tasty side dish for any meal.
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Eggplant Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Medium Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes
This hearty casserole combines layers of grilled eggplant with ground beef, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Italian Quinoa Casserole
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Olive Oil, Vegetable Stock, Eggplant, Coarse
This healthy and flavorful casserole is made with quinoa, eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all seasoned with Italian herbs. It's a great vegetarian main dish that's packed with protein and fiber.
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Italian-style Antipasto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Red Pepper, White Onion, Tomatoes
This simple and delicious antipasto platter features a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, olives, and grilled eggplant. Serve it as an appetizer or as part of a larger spread for a party or gathering.
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Eggplant Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Bread Crumbs, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Egg
No list of Italian eggplant recipes would be complete without this classic dish. Slices of eggplant are breaded and fried until golden brown, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion.
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Italian Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Zucchini, Yellow Squash
This hearty and flavorful ratatouille is made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. It's a great dish to make ahead and serve as a side dish or as a topping for pasta or grilled meats.
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Chicken Sorrentino
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, All Purpose Flour
This decadent dish is made with chicken breasts stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella, and eggplant, and then baked in a rich marinara sauce. It's a delicious and impressive meal that's perfect for special occasions.
This unique dish features layers of grilled eggplant, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce, all baked in a pie crust. It's a tasty and unique way to enjoy the flavors of eggplant parmesan.
The Traditional Dish: Eggplant Parmigiana
What is Eggplant Parmigiana?
Eggplant Parmigiana, also known as Melanzane alla Parmigiana, is a classic Italian dish that consists of slices of eggplant, layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection. It originated in Southern Italy and is now a popular dish all over the world. This dish is not only delicious but also a great vegetarian option for those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.
How to Make Eggplant Parmigiana
To make this traditional Italian dish, you will need the following ingredients:
Eggplant: Choose firm, glossy, and unblemished eggplants for the best results.
Olive oil: Used for frying the eggplant slices.
Tomato sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought tomato sauce for convenience.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella is preferred, but shredded mozzarella will also work.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a delicious nutty flavor to the dish.
Breadcrumbs: Used to coat the eggplant slices before frying, giving them a crispy texture.
Seasonings: Garlic, basil, and oregano are commonly used for added flavor.
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by greasing it with olive oil. Next, slice the eggplant into ¼ inch thick rounds and season them with salt. This will help draw out any excess moisture from the eggplant. Leave them to sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Next, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and coat each eggplant slice in breadcrumbs before frying them for a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once all the slices are fried, layer them in the prepared baking dish with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process until all the ingredients are used up, making sure to end with a layer of cheese on top.
Bake the eggplant Parmigiana in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a side of pasta or a fresh salad.
Health Benefits of Eggplant Parmigiana
Not only is Eggplant Parmigiana a delicious and satisfying dish, but it also has numerous health benefits. Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. They are also rich in antioxidants and contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and vitamin C. The combination of eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese in this dish also makes it a good source of protein and calcium.
In conclusion, Eggplant Parmigiana is a delicious and nutritious Italian recipe that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy eggplant slices, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, why not give it a try and add this classic Italian dish to your recipe repertoire?
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