Traditional Eggplant Parmigiana

Discover the authentic taste of Italy with our Traditional Eggplant Parmigiana recipe - a perfect blend of crispy eggplant slices, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. A delightful vegetarian main dish that brings Italian culinary tradition to your kitchen.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients

2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups marinara sauce
1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides with 1 tablespoon of salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat them dry.
3. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Coat each eggplant slice first in flour, then in egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of fried eggplant slices, a layer of mozzarella slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of sauce and cheese on top.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Scan for cooking tips & leave a review!

itsonly.recipes/view/traditional-eggplant-parmigiana

This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.