Eggplant Parmesan is a staple of traditional Italian cooking. Originating from Southern Italy, Parmigiana di Melanzane, as is called in Italian is a casserole dish that uses fresh eggplants, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. It’s very few required ingredients make a very rich tasting recipe. Although typical eggplant parmesan dishes require the eggplant to be fried before layering, this alternative involves baking the eggplant before putting it together. This makes it a much healthier meal to eat, and just as tasty. This is a simple casserole dish and an easy way to enjoy authentic Italian food right at home.
Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants (sliced thinly)
- 1 large can of diced tomatoes (crushed with a hand blender)
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- salt and peper (to taste)
- 1 mozzarella cheese ball (shredded)
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
Directions:
- In a medium sized pot, pour 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and turn on heat to medium. When the oil has warmed up a bit, add the minced garlic and saute for 1 minute, making sure the garlic does not burn.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes and cook over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes
- Place sliced eggplants on a non-stick cookie tray and drizzle a bit of olive oil overtop. Place in a 375 degree oven. Leave eggplants in oven until they soften slightly, approximately 15 minutes and then remove from oven. The eggplants will continue to cook afterwards in the final steps
- In a casserole dish, pour enough tomato sauce to cover the base of the dish
- Place sliced eggplants to form an even layer covering the bottom of the dish and top with another layer of tomato sauce
- Sprinkle a bit of breadcrumbs and shredded mozzarella on top
- Repeat steps 4-6 (tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, mozzarella) in layers until eggplant slices are done
- Cover casserole dish with tin foil, and place in a 375 degree oven.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until top layer is golden brown
- Slice in even square pieces and serve
Serve With:This dish tastes great served with Italian style bread or baguette, accompanied with a salad of green lettuce, arugula, and radicchio with a balsamic-based dressing.
Casserole dishes of any kind are often considered as comfort food that many love to indulge in. This eggplant parmesan casserole is no exception. Including some all-time favorite ingredients, it is a dish that will make you wanting more after every bite. So enjoy, and as the Italians say, Buon Appetito!
