Best 10 Eggplant Parmesan With Fresh Mozzarella Recipes

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Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The key to making a great eggplant parmesan is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The eggplant should be firm and not too seedy. The mozzarella cheese should be fresh and not too salty. And the sauce should be made with fresh, ripe tomatoes. With the right ingredients, you can create an eggplant parmesan that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

EGGPLANT PARMESAN WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA



Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella image

Removing all but a strip of the eggplant's skin lets the flesh meld with the sauce without falling apart.

Provided by Dawn Perry

Categories     Side     Kid-Friendly     Dinner     Lunch     Mozzarella     Parmesan     Eggplant     Fall     Winter     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Cheese Week     Small Plates

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, finely chopped
10 garlic cloves, 2 finely chopped, 8 whole
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
4 medium or 8 small eggplants (about 4 pounds), halved lengthwise
8 sprigs oregano
1 1/4 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces
3 ounces Parmesan, finely grated (about 3/4 cup)

Steps:

  • Heat 1/4 cup oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 6-8 minutes. Add chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until beginning to darken, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, crushing them with your hands as you add them; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, mashing tomatoes occasionally, until slightly thickened, 15-20 minutes. Set tomato sauce aside.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Using a vegetable peeler, remove skin from rounded side of each eggplant half, leaving a 1" strip of skin around the cut edges. Divide eggplants, oregano sprigs, whole garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup oil between 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Turn eggplants to coat with oil; season with salt and pepper and place cut side down. Cover baking sheets tightly with foil and bake until eggplants are very soft, 40-45 minutes.
  • Toss breadcrumbs and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a medium bowl. Transfer eggplants, oregano, and garlic to 2 large shallow baking dishes, placing eggplants cut side up. Top eggplants with tomato sauce and mozzarella, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Bake until mozzarella is bubbling and breadcrumbs are golden, 25-30 minutes.
  • Do Ahead
  • Tomato sauce can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Eggplants can be cooked 1 day ahead. Keep covered; chill. Entire dish can be assembled 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

EGGPLANT PARMESAN WITH FRESH BASIL AND SMOKED MOZZARELLA



Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Basil and Smoked Mozzarella image

The heavenly, salty, slightly sweet combination of rich tomato-y marinara, crispy creamy fried eggplant, and smoked mozzarella. I'd call this dish transcendent.

Provided by lindseytr0n

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h20m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 large unpeeled purple eggplant, trimmed and cut into 1/8-inch thick slices
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or as needed
2 eggs
1 tablespoon whole milk
1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, or more as needed
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
1 (24 ounce) jar prepared marinara sauce (such as De Cecco®)
1 bunch fresh basil, coarsely chopped
1 (8 ounce) package smoked mozzarella cheese, very thinly sliced
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Line a plate with a paper towel; place a layer of 2 or 3 slices of eggplant onto the towel. Sprinkle eggplant with sea salt. Repeat layers of eggplant sprinkled with salt until all eggplant slices are stacked. Place 2 paper towels onto the stack and place a plate on top of the towels. Lay a heavy book or can of food onto the plate to squeeze out moisture. Allow to drip for 20 minutes to 2 hours. Rinse and pat dry.
  • Beat eggs with milk in a shallow bowl. Place bread crumbs into a separate bowl. Dip eggplant slices in the egg mixture and gently press into the crumbs to coat; set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; fry eggplant slices in the hot oil in small batches until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  • Pour about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and arrange a layer of eggplant slices to cover the sauce. Scatter basil and a few slices of smoked mozzarella cheese over eggplant; repeat layers, ending with a layer of sauce on top. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and the cheese has melted, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 459.6 calories, Carbohydrate 44.7 g, Cholesterol 106.8 mg, Fat 22.2 g, Fiber 9.2 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Sodium 1582.1 mg, Sugar 16.1 g

EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Eggplant Parmesan image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h40m

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 roasted red peppers, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 (28-ounce) cans plum tomatoes and their juices, crushed with your hands
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
1 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Honey, to taste
5 cups fresh dried breadcrumbs (made from dried day-old bread)
Butter, for greasing the dish
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons water
2 to 3 medium eggplants (about 2 1/4-pounds), cut into 1/2-inch-thick round slices (need about 18 slices)
All-purpose flour, for dredging
Vegetable oil, for frying
12 ounces grated mozzarella (not fresh), plus1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
12 ounces grated fontina
3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano
Fresh basil leaves, torn

Steps:

  • For the Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce:
  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add the red peppers and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the tomatoes, bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and process until smooth. Return the mixture back to the pot, add the parsley, basil and oregano and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes longer and season with honey, if needed.
  • To dry out the bread crumbs:
  • Preheat the oven to 300 degree F.
  • Evenly spread the bread crumbs on a large baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake for 5 minutes, turn the oven off and let the bread crumbs sit in the oven for 30 minutes or until just dry.
  • Raise the temperature of the oven up to 400 degrees F. Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 15 by 10 by 2-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • Place the bread crumbs into a large shallow bowl. Add the herbs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. In another medium shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and 2 tablespoons of water together.
  • Season each eggplant slice on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, tapping off excess, then dip it in the egg, and finally dredge it in the bread crumb mixture. Shake off any excess breading and transfer the egg plant to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
  • Heat 1/2-inch of oil in 2 large straight-sided saute pans over medium heat until the oil reaches a temperature of 385 degrees F. Working in small batches, fry a few of the eggplant slices, turning once, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch. Using tongs, transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
  • Cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish with some of the tomato sauce and arrange 1/2 of the eggplant over the sauce. Cover the eggplant with some of the sauce, grated mozzarella, fontina, Romano cheese and some of the basil. Repeat to make 3 layers ending with the sauce. Top with the fresh mozzarella and remaining Romano and bake until hot and just beginning to brown, about 30 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Eggplant Parmesan image

Provided by Bobby Flay | Bio & Top Recipes

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 roasted red peppers, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 (28-ounce) cans plum tomatoes and their juices, crushed with your hands
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
1 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Honey, to taste
5 cups fresh dried breadcrumbs (made from dried day-old bread)
Butter, for greasing the dish
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons water
2 to 3 medium eggplants (about 2 1/4-pounds), cut into 1/2-inch-thick round slices (need about 18 slices)
All-purpose flour, for dredging
Vegetable oil, for frying
12 ounces grated mozzarella (not fresh), plus1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
12 ounces grated fontina
3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano
Fresh basil leaves, torn

Steps:

  • For the Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce:
  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add the red peppers and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the tomatoes, bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and process until smooth. Return the mixture back to the pot, add the parsley, basil and oregano and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes longer and season with honey, if needed.
  • To dry out the bread crumbs:
  • Preheat the oven to 300 degree F.
  • Evenly spread the bread crumbs on a large baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake for 5 minutes, turn the oven off and let the bread crumbs sit in the oven for 30 minutes or until just dry.
  • Raise the temperature of the oven up to 400 degrees F. Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 15 by 10 by 2-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • Place the bread crumbs into a large shallow bowl. Add the herbs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. In another medium shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and 2 tablespoons of water together.
  • Season each eggplant slice on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, tapping off excess, then dip it in the egg, and finally dredge it in the bread crumb mixture. Shake off any excess breading and transfer the egg plant to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
  • Heat 1/2-inch of oil in 2 large straight-sided saute pans over medium heat until the oil reaches a temperature of 385 degrees F. Working in small batches, fry a few of the eggplant slices, turning once, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch. Using tongs, transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
  • Cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish with some of the tomato sauce and arrange 1/2 of the eggplant over the sauce. Cover the eggplant with some of the sauce, grated mozzarella, fontina, Romano cheese and some of the basil. Repeat to make 3 layers ending with the sauce. Top with the fresh mozzarella and remaining Romano and bake until hot and just beginning to brown, about 30 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

THE BEST EGGPLANT PARMESAN RECIPE BY TASTY



The Best Eggplant Parmesan Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: medium eggplants, coarse salt, all-purpose flour, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, pepper, vegetable oil, marinara sauce, fresh basil, low-moisture mozzarella, shredded parmesan cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese

Provided by Gwenaelle Le Cochennec

Categories     Dinner

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 medium eggplants, washed
1 tablespoon coarse salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon pepper
2 cups vegetable oil
2 ½ cups marinara sauce, divided
2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced, plus more for garnish
2 cups low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cut each eggplant into about ½-inch (1-cm) thick round slices.
  • Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
  • Sprinkle the eggplant with half of the coarse salt. Flip the slices over and sprinkle with the rest of the salt.
  • Put another baking sheet on top of the eggplant and place something heavy, like a cast-iron skillet, on the top baking sheet to help release moisture from the eggplant. Let sit for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover the eggplant slices and pat dry with paper towels. Brush most of the salt from the eggplant with a paper towel, then transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
  • Coat each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Fry the eggplant in batches until golden brown on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat dry using more paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • Pour about 1 cup (260 g) of marinara sauce into a 2½-quart (2 L) baking dish and spread evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
  • Add about 8 eggplant slices (it's okay if they overlap) and cover with ½ cup (130 g) of marinara. Sprinkle with a third of the fresh basil, then top with about a third of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat to make 2 more layers. Finish with the fresh mozzarella cheese and a final sprinkling of Parmesan.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, until the mozzarella is bubbling and golden brown.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes, then serve garnished with fresh basil.
  • Enjoy!

THE BEST EGGPLANT PARMESAN



The Best Eggplant Parmesan image

Truly delicious! I love eggplant and have many recipes, but this one's my favorite. The cheeses and seasonings make this dish unforgettable. -Dottie Kilpatrick, Wilmington, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 2 casseroles (8 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 23

3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1 cup pitted ripe olives, chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves or 1 tablespoon dried basil
3 tablespoons capers, drained
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
EGGPLANT:
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, beaten
3 cups dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 small eggplants (about 1 pound each), peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
1 cup olive oil
CHEESE:
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cartons (15 ounces each) ricotta cheese
1-1/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves or 2 tablespoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook garlic in oil 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, olives, basil, capers, pepper flakes and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 45-60 minutes or until thickened., Meanwhile, for eggplant, place flour and eggs in separate shallow bowls. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic powder and oregano. Dip eggplant in flour, eggs, then bread crumb mixture., In a large skillet, cook eggplant in batches in oil for 5 minutes on each side or until tender. Drain on paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, basil and pepper., Preheat oven to 350°. In each of two greased 13x9-in. baking dishes, layer 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce, four eggplant slices, 1 cup ricotta mixture and 2 cups mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle each with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts :

EGGPLANT AND MOZZARELLA MELT



Eggplant and Mozzarella Melt image

This is a delicious open-faced sandwich to serve for dinner.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Vegetarian Recipes

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 large eggs
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
Olive oil, for baking sheet
1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1 loaf (8 ounces) soft Italian bread
2 cups store-bought tomato sauce
8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 475 degrees. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat eggs with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread breadcrumbs in a pie plate or shallow bowl.
  • Oil a rimmed baking sheet. Dip eggplant rounds in egg, then dredge in breadcrumbs, turning to coat completely; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Bake (without turning) until golden and tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, split bread lengthwise, and place cut side up on another baking sheet; press gently in centers to create a well. Layer both halves with tomato sauce, eggplant, and cheese. Bake until cheese is browned in spots, 6 to 8 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 481 g, Fat 15 g, Fiber 8 g, Protein 27 g

EGGPLANT PARMESAN PASTA



Eggplant Parmesan Pasta image

The unassuming eggplant is the star of this comforting weeknight pasta that manages to capture the flavors of traditional eggplant Parmigiana without the fuss of frying, layering and baking. Cubed eggplant is browned with onion and garlic until golden, then simmered in a quick pantry-friendly tomato sauce until meltingly tender. Mezze rigatoni, fusilli and shells all do great jobs of capturing the thick sauce. The pasta is finished with slivers of fresh mozzarella that soften and offer cool, creamy bites, and a final sprinkling of a Parmesan bread-crumb topping offers familiar moments of crunch to contrast the creamy sauce.

Provided by Kay Chun

Categories     dinner, weekday, weeknight, pastas, main course

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (from 1 small onion)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds eggplant, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (8 cups)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, crushed with your hands in a bowl
1 basil sprig, plus ⅓ cup coarsely chopped basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound short pasta, such as mezze rigatoni, fusilli or shells
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced and at room temperature

Steps:

  • In a high-sided large (12-inch) skillet with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium. Add panko, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Set a large pot of salted water to boil.
  • Wipe out the skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add eggplant and drizzle over the remaining ¼ cup oil. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is softened, about 8 minutes. Add in tomato paste and stir constantly until lightly caramelized on the bottom of the skillet, about 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, basil sprig, oregano and 1½ cups of water, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  • Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally and smashing some of the eggplant, until the eggplant is very tender and the sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes. Discard the basil sprig.
  • Meanwhile, in the large pot of water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
  • Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water and the eggplant sauce to the large pasta cooking pot, and cook over medium heat, stirring, until sauce thickens and coats the pasta, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup of the chopped basil.
  • Add Parmesan to the panko and mix well. Divide the pasta in bowls and top each with some of the mozzarella. Sprinkle over cheesy bread crumbs, and garnish with the remaining basil.

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA WITH MARGHERITA® PEPPERONI



Eggplant Parmigiana with Margherita® Pepperoni image

A family favorite layered with lightly breaded eggplant, savory pepperoni, tangy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Provided by Margherita Meats

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Margherita® Meats

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 (16 ounce) eggplants
¼ cup Olive oil as needed
4 large eggs eggs
4 tablespoons water
½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
4 ½ cups seasoned bread crumbs, divided
2 cups marinara sauce
1 bunch fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/8-inch thick
8 ounces deli-sliced Margherita® pepperoni, sliced thin

Steps:

  • Slice each eggplant lengthwise into slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  • In a large skillet, add olive oil (approximately 1/4 inch deep) and heat for frying.
  • In a bowl, mix eggs and water together. On a large plate, mix grated Parmigiana-Reggiano cheese and 4 cups seasoned breadcrumbs together. Dip eggplant into the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place breaded eggplant slices into skillet and fry until golden brown, rotating once if necessary. Remove from skillet.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In an 8 by 12-inch baking dish, place the 4 largest eggplant slices, evenly spaced apart from each other. Over each slice, spread 1/4 cup of tomato sauce and sprinkle with a teaspoon of basil. Place one slice of mozzarella and 3 slices pepperoni over each slice and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon grated Parmigiano. Place the smaller slices of eggplant over each of the disks and repeat with tomato sauce, basil, pepperoni and the 2 cheeses. Repeat the layering again until all the ingredients are used.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs over the top of the eggplant dish, and bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and the tops turn light brown, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1505.3 calories, Carbohydrate 128.4 g, Cholesterol 336.9 mg, Fat 79.1 g, Fiber 17.9 g, Protein 66.8 g, SaturatedFat 33.3 g, Sodium 4267.1 mg, Sugar 27.1 g

EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Eggplant Parmesan image

Panko breadcrumbs bring a nice crunch to this Italian Red Sauce classic.

Categories     Egg     Tomato     Bake     Fry     Kid-Friendly     Mozzarella     Basil     Eggplant     Gourmet     Small Plates

Yield Makes 8 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 1/2 lb medium eggplants (about 3), cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick rounds
3 1/4 teaspoons salt
5 lb plum tomatoes
1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
20 fresh basil leaves, torn in half
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1 cup all-purpose flour
5 large eggs
3 1/2 cups panko * (Japanese bread crumbs)
2 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (2/3 cup)
1 lb chilled fresh mozzarella (not unsalted), thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Toss eggplant with 2 teaspoons salt in a colander set over a bowl, then let drain 30 minutes.
  • While eggplant drains, cut an X in bottom of each tomato with a sharp paring knife and blanch tomatoes together in a 5-quart pot of boiling water 1 minute. Transfer tomatoes with a slotted spoon to a cutting board and, when cool enough to handle, peel off skin, beginning from scored end, with paring knife.
  • Coarsely chop tomatoes, then coarsely purée in batches in a blender. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then add garlic and sauté, stirring, until golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomato purée, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and red pepper flakes and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Stir together flour, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a shallow bowl. Lightly beat eggs in a second shallow bowl, then stir together panko and 1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano in a third shallow bowl.
  • Working with 1 slice at a time, dredge eggplant in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, letting excess drip off, and dredge in panko until evenly coated. Transfer eggplant to sheets of wax paper, arranging slices in 1 layer.
  • Heat remaining 1 1/2 cups oil in a deep 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then fry eggplant 4 slices at a time, turning over once, until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain.
  • Spread 1 cup tomato sauce in bottom of a rectangular 3 1/2-quart (13- by 11- by 2-inch) baking dish. Arrange about one third of eggplant slices in 1 layer over sauce, overlapping slightly if necessary. Cover eggplant with about one third of remaining sauce (about 11/4 cups) and one third of mozzarella. Continue layering with remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano.
  • Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted and golden and sauce is bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes.

Tips

  • To ensure perfectly crispy eggplant slices, dredge them in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before pan-frying. This coating protects the eggplant from absorbing too much oil and creates a golden-brown crust.
  • Opt for fresh, high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and texture. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a creamy, stretchy element to the dish.
  • Use a flavorful tomato sauce as the base for your eggplant parmesan. A homemade sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs will elevate the dish.
  • Layer the eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese evenly in a baking dish. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and cheesy goodness.
  • Bake the eggplant parmesan until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the eggplant is tender. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the eggplant slices, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion

Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its crispy eggplant, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, it's a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. By following these tips, you can create a perfect eggplant parmesan that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this delightful culinary creation!

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