Description
A classic Italian dish made with layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the sliced eggplant with salt and let it 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, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs mixed with oregano, basil, and black pepper in a third dish.
- Dip each eggplant slice first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- 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 marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- 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 slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded eggplant slices instead of frying them.
- Add layers of sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the eggplant 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: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 200mg