Savory Eggplant Parmigiana Delight
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this Savory Eggplant Parmigiana Delight. This easy-to-follow recipe layers succulent, pan-fried eggplant with your favorite marinara sauce, melting mozzarella, and rich grated cheese. As it bakes to perfection, the flavors meld beautifully, making this dish both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this eggplant parmigiana is sure to impress and delight anyone who tries it. The one-hour prep time includes a quick draining for the eggplant, resulting in a dish that’s hearty but not heavy. Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
2 medium (trimmed and sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds)
salt
to taste (for draining eggplant)
olive oil or vegetable oil
for pan frying (enough to cover bottom of skillet by 1/2 inch)
marinara sauce
2 1/2 cups (your favorite brand or homemade)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (thinly sliced)
grated parmesan cheese or romano cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Trim the tops and bottoms off the eggplants, then slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2
Layer the slices inside a colander, sprinkling each layer generously with salt. This process draws out excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant.
3
Let the eggplant slices drain for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
After 30 minutes, thoroughly rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt and any bitterness. Pat them dry with paper towels.
5
In a large deep skillet, pour about 1/2 inch of either olive oil or vegetable oil and heat over medium heat until hot.
6
Working in batches, carefully fry the eggplant slices in a single layer, turning them once, until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain the fried slices on paper towels.
7
In a shallow baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to prevent sticking.
8
Begin layering by placing some fried eggplant slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them.
9
Top the eggplant with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by another layer of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
10
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of eggplant, marinara sauce, and a final sprinkle of grated cheese on top.
11
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
12
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Eggplant Parmigiana Delight?
It is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring succulent pan-fried eggplant layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and grated cheeses.
What are the main ingredients required?
The main ingredients are 2 medium eggplants, salt, olive or vegetable oil, 2.5 cups of marinara sauce, 8 ounces of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan or Romano cheese.
How thick should I slice the eggplant?
The eggplant should be sliced into rounds that are 1/4-inch thick.
Why is it necessary to salt the eggplant?
Salting helps draw out excess moisture and removes the natural bitterness from the eggplant.
How long should the eggplant drain after salting?
The eggplant slices should drain in a colander for 30 minutes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Should I rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, thoroughly rinse the slices under cold water to remove the salt and any released bitterness.
How do I dry the eggplant before frying?
Pat the rinsed eggplant slices dry with paper towels to ensure they fry properly.
What type of oil is best for frying the eggplant?
You can use either olive oil or vegetable oil for pan-frying.
How much oil should I use in the skillet?
Fill a large deep skillet with about 1/2 inch of oil.
How long does it take to fry each eggplant slice?
Each slice should be fried for about 3-4 minutes per side.
What visual cue indicates the eggplant is cooked?
The eggplant slices should be turned once and cooked until they are golden brown on both sides.
Should I drain the eggplant after frying?
Yes, place the fried eggplant slices on paper towels to drain excess oil.
How do I prevent the dish from sticking?
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the shallow baking dish before layering.
What is the order of the layers?
Layer fried eggplant, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and then a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of thinly sliced mozzarella cheese.
What type of marinara sauce is recommended?
You can use 2 1/2 cups of your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade marinara sauce.
What are the options for the grated cheese topping?
You can use either grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese for the topping.
How many layers should I make?
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with eggplant, sauce, and cheese.
What is the total baking time?
The dish should bake for 45 to 60 minutes.
How do I know when the Eggplant Parmigiana is ready?
It is ready when the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
Is resting the dish necessary?
Yes, let it rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.
What can I serve with this dish?
It is delicious when served with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
How many medium eggplants are needed?
The recipe requires two medium eggplants.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a satisfying family dinner.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This is described as an easy-to-follow recipe.
Is this recipe associated with a specific culture?
Yes, it is an Italian-style dish.
What pop culture reference is associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a Sopranos recipe.
Can I use Romano instead of Parmesan?
Yes, the recipe suggests either grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.