Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan, also known as Melanzane alla Parmigiana in Italian, is a mouthwatering dish that combines the richness of eggplant with the flavors of Italian seasoned bread crumbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special occasion. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of preparing Eggplant Parmesan, and along the way, we’ll share some tips and insights to make your culinary journey even more enjoyable.
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Ingredients:
To create this delectable Eggplant Parmesan dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Large eggplant (peeled and thinly sliced) | 3 |
Large eggs (beaten) | 2 |
Italian seasoned bread crumbs | 4 cups |
Spaghetti sauce (divided) | 6 cups (approximately 48 ounces) |
Mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided) | 1 package (16 ounces) |
Parmesan cheese (grated and divided) | ½ cup |
Dried basil | ½ teaspoon |
Instructions:
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process:
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- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures that it’s ready for baking when your Eggplant Parmesan is prepared.
- Coat the Eggplant: Take the peeled and thinly sliced eggplant and dip each slice in the beaten eggs. Then, coat them with Italian seasoned bread crumbs. Ensure that each slice is evenly coated for a delicious crunch.
- Bake the Eggplant: Arrange the coated eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, then flip the slices and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step ensures the eggplant becomes tender and crispy.
- Layering: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of the baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the eggplant. Repeat this layering process, ending with a final layer of cheese. Sprinkle dried basil on top for added flavor.
- Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the Eggplant Parmesan turns golden brown, approximately 35 minutes.