17 Traditional Italian Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
The traditional Italian eggplant parmigiana recipe is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Italian cuisine and is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Made with layers of eggplant, cheese, and tomato sauce, this dish is both delicious and nutritious. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of eggplant parmigiana and share a step-by-step guide on how to make this classic dish.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
For a twist on the traditional Eggplant Parmigiana, try grilling the eggplant for a smoky and charred flavor. Simply slice the eggplant into rounds, brush with olive oil, and grill until tender. Layer the grilled eggplant with tomato sauce and cheese, and then place it back on the grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Italian Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Olive Oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, Bocconcini
If you want to stick to the classic version of Eggplant Parmigiana, try this Italian recipe. It calls for a layer of breaded and fried eggplant, followed by a layer of tomato sauce, and then a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until you have a thick and hearty casserole that is bursting with flavor.
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Parmigiana di Melanzane – Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Canned Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil
This traditional Italian recipe for Eggplant Parmigiana is a bit more involved, but the end result is worth it. First, you'll need to bread and fry the eggplant slices. Then, layer them with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and enjoy this true taste of Italy.
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Eggplant Parmigiana Pasta Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Dried
If you can't decide between pasta and Eggplant Parmigiana, why not combine them into one delicious casserole? This recipe calls for layers of cooked pasta, breaded and fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and a variety of cheeses. Bake until golden and bubbly for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Spicy Pesto Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Chunky Tomato Sauce, Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic Cloves
Add a little kick to your Eggplant Parmigiana with this spicy pesto version. Instead of using traditional tomato sauce, this recipe calls for a zesty pesto sauce. Layer it with fried eggplant, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a flavorful and slightly spicy twist on the classic dish.
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Eggplant Parmigiana Caponata
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Red Bell Peppers, Mozzarella
Caponata is a traditional Italian dish that combines eggplant, tomato, and other vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce. This version adds a layer of fried eggplant to the mix, making it a perfect base for a delicious Eggplant Parmigiana. Top it off with a layer of mozzarella cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.
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Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Basil Leaves, Parmesan Cheese, Olive Oil
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Eggplant Parmigiana, try this quick and easy recipe. It calls for pre-made tomato sauce, breaded and fried eggplant, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and you'll have a delicious meal in no time.
Main Ingredients: Aubergines, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Chopped
This mouth-watering recipe for Eggplant Parmigiana hails from the Quartieri Spagnoli neighborhood in Naples, Italy. It features layers of thinly sliced eggplant, tomato sauce, and a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta. It's a decadent and delicious version of this classic dish.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
For a simple and flavorful Italian-style grilled eggplant, try this recipe. It calls for marinating the eggplant in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before grilling until tender. Serve it as a side dish or use it as a base for your Eggplant Parmigiana.
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Bertolli Baked Eggplant Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Italian Seasoned Dry Bread Crumbs, Grated Parmesan
This recipe for Eggplant Parmigiana from Bertolli is a crowd-pleaser. It calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, which makes it a healthier option. Layer it with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs for a delicious and easy dish that everyone will love.
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Parmigiana
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flour, Tomato
If you're looking for a lighter version of Eggplant Parmigiana, try this recipe. Instead of frying the eggplant, it's brushed with olive oil and baked until tender. Layer it with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs for a healthier but still delicious version of this classic dish.
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Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
This classic Italian dish is a simple and delicious way to enjoy Eggplant Parmigiana. The eggplant is lightly breaded and fried until golden and crispy. Then, it's layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Serve it with a side of pasta for a complete meal.
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Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
If you want to add more vegetables to your Eggplant Parmigiana, try this recipe. It calls for layers of eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, along with tomato sauce and a variety of cheeses. Bake until golden and bubbly for a hearty and flavorful casserole.
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Parmigiana Pasta
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Diced Pancetta, Onion, Garlic
If you love both Eggplant Parmigiana and pasta, this recipe is for you. It combines the two into one delicious and comforting casserole. Layer cooked pasta with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, and a variety of cheeses for a meal that will please the whole family.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This recipe for Eggplant Parmigiana adds a layer of creamy ricotta cheese for a delicious twist. The eggplant is breaded and fried, then layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and a creamy ricotta mixture. Bake until golden and bubbling for a decadent and delicious meal.
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Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
For a unique and flavorful twist on Eggplant Parmigiana, try this recipe for Eggplant Cacciatore. It combines the flavors of traditional Eggplant Parmigiana with a hearty and flavorful cacciatore sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Serve it over pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
If you love grilled cheese sandwiches and Eggplant Parmigiana, why not combine the two? This recipe calls for layering grilled eggplant with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese between two slices of bread, then grilling until golden and gooey. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy this classic Italian dish.
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Eggplant Parmesan {parmigiana Di Melanzane}
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Eggs, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Pepper
This traditional recipe for Eggplant Parmigiana is simple and delicious. The eggplant is lightly breaded and fried, then layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Eggplant Parmigiana, Southern Italian-style
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Chopped Parsley, Crushed
This version of Eggplant Parmigiana hails from southern Italy and features a slightly different twist on the classic dish. The eggplant is breaded and fried, then topped with a mixture of tomato sauce, olives, capers, and anchovies. It's a bold and flavorful take on this beloved Italian dish.
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Melanzane Alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmigiana)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Red Onion, Peeled Tomatoes, Red
This classic Italian recipe for Eggplant Parmigiana is a must-try for any fan of this dish. It features layers of fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese. Baked until golden and bubbling, it's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
The History of Eggplant Parmigiana
The Origins
The origins of eggplant parmigiana can be traced back to the southern regions of Italy. It is believed that the dish originated in the city of Parma, which is where it gets its name from. However, there are also claims that it originated in Sicily, where eggplants are abundant and used in many local dishes. Regardless of its exact origins, eggplant parmigiana has become a beloved dish not just in Italy, but all over the world.
The Evolution of the Recipe
Over the years, the recipe for eggplant parmigiana has evolved and adapted to different regional tastes. In some places, the dish is made with fried eggplant slices, while in others it is baked. Some regions also add other ingredients such as meat, mushrooms, or vegetables to the dish. However, the core components of eggplant, cheese, and tomato sauce remain consistent in all variations of the recipe.
Making the Perfect Eggplant Parmigiana
Ingredients You Will Need
To make the traditional Italian eggplant parmigiana, you will need the following ingredients:
Eggplant: Choose firm and ripe eggplants for the best results.
Tomato Sauce: You can use store-bought or make your own tomato sauce for this recipe.
Cheese: Mozzarella and parmesan are the most commonly used cheeses in this dish.
Breadcrumbs: These are used to coat the eggplant slices before frying.
Eggs: These are used to make the egg wash for the eggplant slices.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and dried herbs like oregano and basil are used to flavor the dish.
Olive Oil: This is used for frying the eggplant slices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by slicing the eggplants into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
While the eggplants are sitting, prepare the tomato sauce by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then adding in canned tomatoes and seasonings. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Next, rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry. Dip them in beaten eggs, then coat them in breadcrumbs.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown on both sides. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce, then add a layer of fried eggplant slices. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top, then repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.
Bake the eggplant parmigiana in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Enjoying Eggplant Parmigiana
Eggplant parmigiana is best served hot, straight out of the oven. It can be enjoyed as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or as a side dish to a larger meal. Leftovers can also be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
In conclusion, the traditional Italian eggplant parmigiana recipe is a classic dish that has stood the test of time. With its rich history and delicious flavors, it is no wonder why this dish continues to be a favorite among many. So why not try making it at home and experience the taste of Italy in your own kitchen? Buon appetito!
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