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Eggplant Parmesan

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A comforting Italian dish featuring layers of fried eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggplants
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1½ cups breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Olive oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Slice the eggplants into ½-inch thick rounds.
  2. Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Set up a dredging station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
  6. Dip each eggplant slice into flour, ensuring it’s completely coated.
  7. Submerge the floured eggplant in the beaten eggs.
  8. Coat the eggplant slices in breadcrumbs, pressing slightly to ensure they stick.
  9. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
  10. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each side.
  11. Remove the fried eggplant and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  12. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  13. Layer half of the fried eggplant slices over the sauce.
  14. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and a third of the Parmesan cheese over the eggplant.
  15. Repeat steps 12-14 for the second layer, finishing with a layer of sauce and the remaining cheese on top.
  16. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  17. Let the Eggplant Parmesan cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  18. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Allowing the eggplant to sweat not only removes excess moisture but also helps lessen its bitterness, ensuring a more flavorful dish.

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