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Melanzane alla Parmigiana: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Melanzane alla Parmigiana

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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Baking dish (9x13 inches)
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Colander
  • Paper towels
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • For the Eggplant:
  • 2 large eggplants sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • Salt for sweating the eggplant
  • Olive oil for frying
  • For the Sauce:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 clove garlic minced (optional)
  • For the Layers:
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Instructions
  • Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
  • Slice and Sweat: Lay the eggplant slices on a cutting board and sprinkle salt generously on both sides. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
  • Rinse and Pat Dry: After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Step 2: Cook the Eggplant
  • Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Fry Eggplant: Working in batches, fry the eggplant slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Add more oil as needed. Transfer the fried slices to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
  • Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the marinara sauce with oregano, basil, and minced garlic (if using). This adds flavor to the sauce.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Dish
  • Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices over the sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  • Repeat Layers: Continue layering sauce, eggplant, mozzarella, and Parmesan until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Step 5: Bake
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Step 6: Let it Stand
  • Cool Down: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it stand for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
  • Variations and Tips
  • Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Meat Lover's Touch: Add layers of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier dish.
  • Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb version, substitute the eggplant with zucchini slices.