Description
Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and hearty dish featuring eggplant halves filled with a savory mixture of cheeses, marinara sauce, and spices, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about ½ inch around the edges. Chop the eggplant flesh.
- Place the eggplant halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and chopped eggplant and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella.
- Spoon the filling generously into the partially baked eggplant shells.
- Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the eggplant is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Feel free to substitute the cheeses with your favorites.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed eggplant half
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg