07/10/2025
Eggplant Parmesan (Melanzane alla Parmigiana)
🧂 Ingredients:
For the eggplant:
2 large eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
Salt (for sweating the eggplant)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Olive oil (for frying or baking)
For the sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, torn (optional)
For assembly:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Remaining Parmesan
Extra fresh basil for garnish
🔥 Instructions:
1. Prepare the eggplant
Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and lay on paper towels. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
2. Bread the eggplant
Set up a dredging station:
Plate 1: flour
Plate 2: beaten eggs
Plate 3: breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup Parmesan
Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Cook the eggplant
Option A – Frying:
Heat ¼ inch of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Option B – Baking (lighter):
Brush both sides of breaded slices with olive oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
4. Make the sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir in basil at the end if using.
5. Assemble
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer fried/baked eggplant, spoon over more sauce, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
6. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.