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- 2 large eggplants - Marinara sauce options: homemade or store-bought - Cheese selection: mozzarella and Parmesan When making Eggplant Parmesan, the ingredients matter. I love using two large eggplants. They provide the perfect base for this dish. Next, choose your marinara sauce. You can make it from scratch or grab a jar from the store. Both options taste great, but homemade can add a special touch. Now, let’s talk about cheese. You will need mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella gives that gooey texture we all love, while Parmesan adds a nice salty bite. Together, they create a wonderful blend of flavors. - Knife and cutting board - Colander and paper towels - Skillet for frying You also need some tools to make this dish. A knife and cutting board are essential for slicing your eggplants. A colander helps drain the saltwater from the eggplants, while paper towels are great for patting them dry. Lastly, use a skillet for frying the eggplants. Make sure it is large enough to hold a few slices at once. This will help them fry evenly and get that lovely golden color. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed preparation steps to guide you through the cooking process. To start, I slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch rounds. This thickness ensures even cooking. Next, I sprinkle 2 teaspoons of salt over the slices. The salt pulls out extra moisture and bitterness. I place the salted eggplant in a colander and let it drain for about 30 minutes. After waiting, I rinse the slices under cold water. This step removes the salt. Finally, I pat them dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture. Now, I set up my breading station. I line up three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano and basil. This setup makes breading easy. I take each eggplant slice and dip it into the flour first. I coat both sides well. Then, I move it to the eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, I press the slice into the breadcrumb mix, making sure it sticks evenly. For frying, I heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the breaded eggplant in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. I cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. I look for that nice golden brown color. That’s when they are ready. After frying, I place the slices on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Next, I layer the ingredients in a baking dish. I start with a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Then, I arrange half of the fried eggplant slices on top. I sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the eggplants. I pour more marinara sauce on top to keep it moist. I repeat this process with the remaining fried eggplant, cheese, and sauce. I finish with one last layer of mozzarella to make it gooey and delicious. Now it's time to bake. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, I cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. I place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, I carefully remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. I watch for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. That’s how I know it’s done! Finding the right thickness for eggplants is key. I recommend slicing them into 1/4-inch rounds. This size allows for even cooking and a tender bite. If the slices are too thick, they can become soggy. For crispy breading, use the right technique. First, coat each slice in flour. Then, dip it in beaten eggs. Finally, cover it with seasoned breadcrumbs. Press down gently to help the crumbs stick. This three-step process ensures a crunchy crust. Adding herbs and spices can boost the taste of your Eggplant Parmesan. I love using dried oregano and basil. They give a lovely Italian flavor. You can also try adding garlic powder or red pepper flakes for a kick. For marinara sauce variations, consider mixing in fresh herbs or a splash of red wine. You can even add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra depth. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. When serving Eggplant Parmesan, pair it with fresh sides. A simple green salad or garlic bread works well. You can also serve it with pasta for a heartier meal. For presentation, slice the dish into neat pieces. Arrange them on a vibrant plate. Drizzle a little extra marinara sauce on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-worthy touch. These details make your dish look as good as it tastes. {{image_4}} You can switch out some ingredients for different tastes. For a plant-based option, try using vegan cheese. Many brands offer great options that melt well. If you want gluten-free, use almond flour instead of regular flour. You can also find gluten-free breadcrumbs at many stores. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! You don't have to fry the eggplant if you want a lighter meal. You can bake the eggplant instead. Just brush the slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake them until they are soft and golden. Another great method is using an air fryer. This cooks the eggplant quickly and gives it a nice crisp. Just set it to 375°F and cook for about 12 minutes. Eggplant Parmesan changes from region to region in Italy. In Sicily, they often add layers of ham or salami. In Naples, they might use a spicy marinara sauce for a kick. You can also add seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish colorful and fun. Feel free to get creative with the layers! To store Eggplant Parmesan, use an airtight container. Place the cooled dish inside and seal it tight. This keeps it fresh in the fridge. It can last about 3 to 5 days. If you plan to eat it later, waiting is best. Just reheat it when you're ready. You can freeze Eggplant Parmesan before or after baking. If freezing before baking, layer it in a dish and cover it well. If freezing after baking, let it cool fully first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps keep out air and moisture. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. If frozen before baking, cook it straight from the freezer. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. If previously baked, warm it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the flavors strong and the texture nice. Yes, you can prepare Eggplant Parmesan ahead of time. You can slice and salt the eggplants, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. After frying, assemble the layers in your baking dish. Cover it well and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just preheat the oven and follow the normal baking steps. This makes it great for busy days or dinner parties. Salting eggplant helps reduce both moisture and bitterness. Eggplants have a lot of water inside. If you don’t salt them, they can become soggy when cooked. The salt draws out the water, making them firmer. It also helps to remove any bitter taste, leaving you with a sweet and rich flavor in your dish. To make Eggplant Parmesan less greasy, try these tips. First, use a light hand with the oil when frying. If you use too much oil, it will soak in. Also, you can bake the eggplants instead of frying them. Brush them lightly with oil before baking. This way, you can still get a nice texture without all the grease. If you don't have eggplant, you can try other vegetables. Zucchini works well and has a similar texture. You can also use mushrooms or even slices of squash. These options will give you a tasty dish while keeping the spirit of Eggplant Parmesan. You will know your Eggplant Parmesan is done when the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. The edges should also look crispy. A knife inserted in the center should come out hot. If you see lots of sauce bubbling around the sides, it’s ready to enjoy. For detailed preparation steps, you can find the Full Recipe here. It guides you through each step for making the perfect Eggplant Parmesan. This article covered how to make Eggplant Parmesan step-by-step. We looked at ingredients, tools, cooking techniques, and helpful tips. You learned how to pick the best eggplant and enhance flavors with herbs. We explored variations to fit any diet and discussed storage methods for leftovers. In summary, this dish is fun to make and delicious to eat. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Discover the ultimate Eggplant Parmesan recipe that will impress your family and friends! With crispy layers of breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is a comforting classic. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to create this delectable meal from start to finish. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking skills with this delicious Eggplant Parmesan extravaganza!
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Ingredients
  

2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

2 teaspoons salt

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 large eggs, beaten

2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

Prepare the Eggplants: Start by sprinkling the sliced eggplant rounds evenly with salt. Place them in a colander and let them drain for about 30 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplants.

    Rinse and Pat Dry: After the draining time has elapsed, rinse the eggplant slices under cold running water to remove the salt. Use paper towels to pat them dry thoroughly.

      Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange your ingredients in a line: pour the flour into one shallow dish, pour the beaten eggs into a second dish, and in a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs with the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and a pinch of pepper for flavor.

        Bread the Eggplant: Take each eggplant slice and first dip it into the flour, coating both sides. Next, immerse it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the slice with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.

          Frying the Eggplant: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches, cooking them for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown hue. Transfer the fried slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

            Preheat the Oven: While frying the eggplant, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready for baking.

              Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, begin by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange half of the fried eggplant slices over the sauce.

                Add Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the eggplants. Pour another layer of marinara sauce on top to keep it luscious.

                  Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining fried eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Conclude with a generous final layer of mozzarella cheese on the top to create a deliciously gooey finish.

                    Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

                      Cool and Garnish: Allow the Eggplant Parmesan to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor before serving.

                        Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve slices on a vibrant plate, drizzled with a bit of extra marinara sauce and garnished with a sprig of fresh basil for a restaurant-worthy touch.