- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides generously with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
- Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Bread the Eggplant:
- Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured eggplant slices into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the eggplant slices in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Fry the Eggplant:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried eggplant slices to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce.
- Spoon some marinara sauce over the eggplant slices, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Eggplant Parmesan:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the Eggplant Parmesan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Conclusion
Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and comforting dish that highlights the best of Italian cuisine. The crispy, breaded eggplant combined with savory marinara sauce and melted cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to please any palate. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, offering a satisfying and impressive meal that is both hearty and vegetarian.
The process of salting the eggplant to remove bitterness, breading and frying the slices to golden perfection, and layering them with sauce and cheese is a labor of love that results in a truly memorable dish. Enjoy Eggplant Parmesan with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or a slice of crusty bread, and savor the rich, comforting flavors of this Italian classic.
