Title: Simple Steps to Create a Yummy Eggplant Parmesan for Dinner
Eggplant Parmesan, also known as Eggplant Parmigiana, is a scrumptious Italian dish that has won the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Not only is it bursting with flavors, but it’s also a hearty dish that promises a delightful dining experience. If you’ve been wondering how to whip up this delicious meal in your kitchen, you’re in for a treat! This blog post will guide you through an easy-to-follow recipe for making Eggplant Parmesan that will surely impress everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s ensure we have all the necessary ingredients. For this Eggplant Parmesan recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized eggplants
- Salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of Italian breadcrumbs
- Olive oil for frying
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants
Start by washing the eggplants and slicing them into ½ inch thick rounds. Liberally sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and let them rest for about 30 minutes. This process helps draw out the bitterness from the eggplant. After 30 minutes, rinse the salt off the eggplant slices and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Bread the Eggplant
Now, it’s time for breading. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them. Pour the flour and breadcrumbs into two separate plates. Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it well with breadcrumbs. This triple coating gives the eggplant a delicious, crunchy exterior.
Step 3: Fry the Eggplant
Heat a good amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the breaded eggplant slices until they’re golden brown on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once fried, place the slices on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
Step 4: Layering the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Next, place a layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the eggplant. Repeat the layering with the remaining eggplants, sauce, and cheese until everything is used up, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Eggplant Parmesan
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This process ensures your Eggplant Parmesan is cooked to perfection with a lovely, crispy top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the Eggplant Parmesan cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into squares, garnish with fresh basil if you like, and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a side of spaghetti, a crisp salad, or simply with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Simple Tips for a Perfect Eggplant Parmesan
- Selecting Eggplants: Choose eggplants that are firm and have smooth, shiny skins. They should feel heavy for their size.
- Sweating Eggplants: Don’t skip the salting and resting step for the eggplants. It significantly reduces any bitterness and improves the texture.
- Cheese Quality: Using good quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese makes a big difference in flavor.
- Sauce Choice: While homemade marinara sauce gives the best flavor, a good quality store-bought sauce can work in a pinch.
Eggplant Parmesan is a fabulous dish that encapsulates the essence of Italian cooking – simple ingredients brought together with love to create something truly special. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. With each bite, you get the crispy eggplant, the gooey cheese, and the rich marinara sauce – it’s comfort food at its best. Enjoy the process of making it and, more importantly, savor every mouthful of this delightful dish!
