How to Make Delicious Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and nutritious dish that has been enjoyed by many people worldwide. The dish is made using eggplants and is packed with flavors that make it a perfect dinner option for vegetarians or people who are looking for a healthy meal. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make eggplant Parmesan.

Before we get started, it’s important to note that there are different ways of making eggplant Parmesan, and the method we will explore here is one of the most common and straightforward ones. All you need is some fresh eggplants, eggs, bread crumbs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. You can also add other ingredients like herbs and spices to enhance the flavor to your liking. Let’s get started!

Making eggplant parm is an Italian classic that has taken over the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Stacked high with layers of crispy, golden-brown fried eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of gloriously melted mozzarella cheese, eggplant parm is a dish that is loved by many. However, getting it right can be a little tricky. Fear not, though, because in this article, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to make the perfect eggplant parm.

1. Choosing the Right Eggplants
The first step to making great eggplant parm is selecting the right eggplants. You want to look for large eggplants that feel heavy. They should be firm, smooth, and shiny with little to no signs of blemishes.

2. Preparing the Eggplants
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare the eggplants properly. You will need to thinly slice the eggplants into rounds about a quarter of an inch thick. You can also cut them lengthwise if you prefer. Then, sprinkle them with salt and let sit for about half an hour to draw out some of the moisture.

3. Preparing the Breading
To bread your eggplant slices, you will need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix together flour, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, whisk together eggs and milk. In the third dish, mix together breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and whatever seasonings you like.

4. Dipping and Breading the Eggplants
Dip each slice of eggplant into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs into the eggplant to make sure they stick.

5. Frying the Eggplants
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove the eggplant slices from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

6. Making the Tomato Sauce
While the eggplant slices are frying, you can start making the tomato sauce. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add some olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and cook for about a minute. Then add canned tomatoes, salt, sugar, and dried herbs of your choice to the saucepan. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Assembling the Eggplant Parmesan
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Then add a layer of eggplant slices, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese and more tomato sauce. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all of the eggplant slices. Be sure to finish with a layer of mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce on top.

8. Baking the Eggplant Parmesan
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. Letting it Rest
Once the eggplant parm is done baking, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and the cheese to set.

10. Serving the Eggplant Parmesan
Cut the eggplant parm into squares and serve with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also freeze the leftover eggplant parm for up to 2 months.

In conclusion, making eggplant parm may seem intimidating, but with these step-by-step instructions, you can create this beloved Italian dish right in your own kitchen. So go ahead, try it out, and impress your family and friends with your eggplant parm-making skills!

The Ingredients You Will Need

Eggplant Parmesan, also known as Eggplant Parmigiana, is one of the most famous Italian dishes worldwide. It is a cheesy delight made with several layers of fried or baked eggplant and marinara sauce.

Making this dish may sound intimidating, but in reality, it is straightforward. You will need the following ingredients to make it to perfection.

1. Freshly sliced eggplant

Freshness is essential when choosing eggplants. Look for ones that are firm, without any bruises or soft spots. Make sure they are thinly sliced to ensure even cooking.

2. Flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs

The eggplant slices need to be coated in these three ingredients to achieve a crispy outer layer. You can also substitute the breadcrumbs with cornmeal or panko for a heartier bite.

3. Olive oil

Olive oil is perfect for frying the eggplant as it has a high smoke point, meaning it can tolerate high temperatures without burning.

4. Marinara sauce

The sauce provides the base for the eggplant parmigiana. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara, depending on your preference.

5. Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella is the classic choice for eggplant parm, and it melts wonderfully over the top layer of the dish, forming a gooey, cheesy crust.

6. Parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor to the dish and is the perfect finishing touch.

7. Herbs and spices

Adding a touch of herbs and spices like basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper can enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the dish.

8. Baking dish

Choose a baking dish that is large and deep enough to hold all the layers of eggplant and sauce.

With these ingredients on hand, you are ready to make one of the most delicious Italian dishes at home.

Ingredients needed for Eggplant Parmesan

To make a classic eggplant parm, you’ll need to gather a few ingredients. Here are the items you’ll need to have on hand before you start cooking:

Step-by-step Instructions:

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making delicious eggplant parm:

Step 1: Prep the eggplant

The first step is to slice the eggplant into rounds or long strips. Then, place the slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let the eggplant sit for 30 minutes. This will draw out any excess moisture, which will make it easier to get crispy when we fry it later.

Step 2: Prep the breading

While the eggplant is sitting, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder together in a shallow dish. In another dish, beat the two eggs.

Step 3: Bread the eggplant

Take each slice of eggplant and dip it in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Make sure each slice is coated well in each layer. Place the breaded eggplant on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Fry the eggplant

Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded eggplant in batches and fry until crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels when done.

Step 5: Assemble the eggplant parm

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13 baking dish, pour a cup of marinara sauce. Layer the fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, chopped basil, and parsley. Add another layer of sauce on top of the cheese, then repeat the layering process (eggplant, cheese, herbs, sauce) until all the eggplant is gone. The last layer should be sauce and cheese.

Conclusion:

Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make a classic version of this Italian dish right in your own kitchen. Don’t be intimidated by the steps – with a bit of practice, you’ll have it down pat in no time. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Delicious Eggplant Parmesan!

Congratulations, you have made a mouth-watering eggplant parmesan that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters! This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a fancy dinner party with friends. Remember to thank your guests for coming and for trying your scrumptious creation. Don’t forget to visit us again soon for more tasty recipes and cooking tips. Bon Appetit!