In the realm of culinary delights, eggplant parmesan reigns supreme, tantalizing taste buds with its symphony of flavors and textures. This iconic dish, with its origins in the culinary heritage of Italy, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Its succulent eggplant slices, enveloped in a golden-brown crust, harmoniously blend with layers of rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. As you embark on a quest to discover the ultimate eggplant parmesan recipe, let us guide you through a culinary journey that will unveil the secrets to crafting this delectable dish, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
LOW-CARB EGGPLANT PARMESAN RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: large eggplant, salt, almond meal, italian seasoning, large eggs, water, rice flour, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, crushed san marzano tomato, fresh basil, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded parmesan cheese
Provided by Crystal Hatch
Categories Dinner
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190˚C).
- Trim the ends off the eggplant, then slice into ½-inch (2-cm) thick rounds. Transfer the rounds to a baking sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt on both sides. Let sit for 10 minutes for the salt to draw out excess moisture from the eggplant.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond meal, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Beat the eggs in another medium bowl with a splash of water. Add the rice flour to another medium bowl.
- Coat the salted eggplant rounds in the rice flour, then in the egg, letting any excess drip off, then in the seasoned almond meal. Set the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly drizzle on both sides with olive oil.
- Bake the eggplant, flipping halfway through for even browning, for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the eggplant is baking, make the sauce: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Reduce the heat if the garlic is browning too quickly. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching. Add the basil and stir to incorporate.
- To assemble, spread a bit of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch (23x33-cm) baking dish, then add a layer of baked eggplant. Top with more sauce and sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, using another baking dish if needed to make another single layer of eggplant.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the broiler on high and cook for another 3 minutes, until the cheese is browned and bubbling.
- Serve garnished with more basil.
- Enjoy!
- Nutrition, per serving - Calories: 424, Total fat: 21 grams, Sodium: 666 mg, Total carbs: 41 grams, Dietary fiber: 9 grams, Net carbs: 32 grams, Sugars: 12 grams, Protein: 22 grams
Nutrition Facts : Calories 752 calories, Carbohydrate 66 grams, Fat 42 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 34 grams, Sugar 15 grams
THE BEST EGGPLANT PARMESAN RECIPE BY TASTY
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
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
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
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 :
BAKED EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Eggplant slices are coated with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese and baked between layers of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese for a filling Italian-inspired meal. Add fresh garlic and basil to taste. I use 2 to 4 cloves fresh garlic and 5 to 10 leaves of freshly harvested basil in the sauce. Fresh basil layered in one of the layers adds lots of 'fresh' flavor!
Provided by Dollface
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 4h5m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place eggplant slices in a colander; sprinkle both sides of each slice with salt. Allow to sit for at least 3 hours. Wipe excess moisture from eggplant slices with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
- Mix bread crumbs and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
- Dip eggplant slices in beaten egg; coat with bread crumb mixture. Arrange coated eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned and crisp, about 5 minutes per side.
- Cover the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a layer of spaghetti sauce; top with a layer of eggplant slices. Sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon of the remaining Parmesan cheese and 1/3 the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, ending with a cheese layer. Sprinkle with basil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is bubbling and golden brown, about 35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 473.7 calories, Carbohydrate 43.9 g, Cholesterol 118.9 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 29.6 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 2427.6 mg, Sugar 18 g
CONTEST-WINNING EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, it's much healthier than other parmesans! The prep time is a little longer than for some recipes, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. -Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h5m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Place eggs and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip eggplant slices in eggs, then coat in crumbs. Place on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake until tender and golden brown, 15-20 minutes, turning once., In a small bowl, combine mushrooms, basil and oregano. In another small bowl, combine mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses., Spread 1/2 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with a third of the mushroom mixture, a third of the eggplant, 3/4 cup sauce and a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers twice., Bake, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted, 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 305 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 102mg cholesterol, Sodium 912mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
BA'S BEST EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Trying to slice into this eggplant Parmesan while it's molten hot creates an oozy mess, so let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen
Categories Bon Appétit Eggplant Parmesan Tomato Breadcrumbs Oregano Basil Mozzarella Cheese Vegetarian
Yield Serves 12
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- Marinara:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat oil in a large heavy ovenproof pot over medium. Cook garlic, stirring often, until golden, about 4 minutes. Add onion, anchovies (if using), and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until slightly darkened, about 2 minutes. Add wine, bring to a boil, and cook until almost completely evaporated, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, breaking up with your hands, and their juices; add basil and oregano and stir to combine. Swirl 1 1/2 cups water into one tomato can, then the other, to rinse, and add to pot; season with salt. Transfer pot to oven; roast sauce, stirring halfway through, until thick and tomatoes are browned on top and around edges of pot, 2-2 1/2 hours.
- Let sauce cool slightly. Pass through the large holes of a food mill or process in a food processor until mostly smooth. Taste and season with salt.
- Lightly season eggplant slices all over with salt; place in a single layer on several layers of paper towels inside a rimmed baking sheet. Top with another layer of paper towels and more slices; repeat as needed. Top with a final layer of paper towels, then another rimmed baking sheet; weigh down with a heavy pot. Let eggplant sit until it has released excess liquid, 45-60 minutes. This step gives the eggplant a creamy texture when baked.
- Meanwhile, pulse panko, oregano, pepper, and 3/4 cup Parmesan in a food processor until very finely ground. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place flour in another shallow bowl and eggs in a third shallow bowl. Working one at a time, dredge eggplant slices in flour, then dip in egg, allowing excess to drip off. Coat in breadcrumbs, packing all around, then shaking off excess. Place on wire racks.
- Heat 2/3 cup oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Cook as many eggplant slices as will comfortably fit in pan, turning once, until deep golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and immediately press with more paper towel to absorb oil. Working in batches, repeat with remaining slices, adding remaining 2/3 cup oil and wiping out skillet as needed. Let cool. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
- Toss chopped herbs, low-moisture mozzarella, and remaining 3/4 cup Parmesan in a medium bowl. Spread 1 cup sauce over the bottom of a 13x9" baking pan; top with a layer of eggplant slices (trim as needed). Drizzle 1 cup sauce over and sprinkle with one-third of cheese mixture. Add another layer of eggplant, followed by 1 cup sauce and half of remaining cheese mixture. Repeat layers with remaining slices, sauce, and cheese mixture. Cover with foil and bake on a rimmed baking sheet until eggplant is custardy, 45-60 minutes.
- Remove from oven and arrange fresh mozzarella over eggplant. Increase oven temperature to 425°F and bake, uncovered, until cheese is bubbling and browned in spots, 15-20 minutes longer. Let rest 30 minutes. Top with basil leaves just before slicing.
- Do Ahead
- Marinara can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Eggplant Parmesan can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover with foil and chill. Reheat in a 350°F oven, uncovering halfway through, until bubbling gently at edges.
Tips:
- To ensure a crispy crust on your eggplant, make sure to coat it evenly in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before frying.
- For a more flavorful dish, use fresh, ripe tomatoes and basil.
- If you don't have a meat mallet, you can use a rolling pin to flatten the eggplant slices.
- Be careful not to overcook the eggplant, as it can become tough and chewy.
- Serve eggplant parmesan hot and fresh, with a side of pasta or salad.
Conclusion:
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is both delicious and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. So next time you're looking for a delicious and versatile dish, give Eggplant Parmesan a try. You won't be disappointed!
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