Authentic Eggplant Parmesan: Italian Delight

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• Sea salt, for drawing water out of eggplant
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 300g fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Olive oil, for frying
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Eggplant
Begin by laying out the eggplant slices on a paper towel. Sprinkle sea salt on both sides of the slices and allow them to rest for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterwards, rinse well and pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Dredging Station
Set up a dredging station with three plates: on the first plate, spread the all-purpose flour; on the second, the beaten eggs; and on the third, combine Italian breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Dredge and Fry
Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, then into the egg, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on each side, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Layering the Parmesan
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce. Over the eggplant, distribute half of the remaining marinara sauce, followed by half of the sliced mozzarella cheese and the remaining grated Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, and sprinkle dried oregano and basil on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispier topping.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the Eggplant Parmesan to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant and fresh touch.

Equipment and Tools

• Skillet for frying
• Baking dish
• 3 plates for dredging
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels
• Oven

Preparation

Before starting, ensure that all the ingredients and equipment are on hand. Slice the eggplants and set up your dredging station to streamline the cooking process. It’s also helpful to have the marinara sauce and cheeses prepped and ready to layer.

Cooking Process

Refer to the step-by-step instructions for the detailed cooking process. The key steps involve salting the eggplant, dredging and frying, layered assembly, and baking to create the classic Eggplant Parmesan dish.

Tips and Tricks

Salting the eggplant helps remove bitterness and excess moisture for better texture.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Letting the Eggplant Parmesan rest before serving allows the layers to set.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 22g

Introduction:

Relish the depths of Italian cuisine with this Authentic Eggplant Parmesan: Italian Delight. With layers of crispy fried eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this comforting dish will bring the warmth and flavors of Italy to your dining table. It’s a perfect meal for cozy family dinners or for impressing guests at a special gathering.