Description
Eggplant Parmesan Delight is a delicious and hearty dish made with layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, beat the eggs in a second dish, and mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in a third dish.
- Dip each eggplant slice first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Add more oil as needed.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the fried eggplant slices, half of the remaining marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded eggplant slices at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg