The Ultimate Eggplant Parmesan Recipe: A Taste of Tradition

Picture yourself walking into a kitchen where the aromas of tradition blend with childhood memories. It’s right there, between the warmth of the oven and the fresh green basil, that a dish capable of telling stories is born: eggplant parmesan. A simple yet flavorful preparation that evokes convivial moments and family Sundays.

You are at the heart of this culinary experience. I will guide you step by step in creating this homemade masterpiece, where soft, golden layers alternate with creamy strands of mozzarella and intense shades of tomato. Every bite is a dive into the ultimate comfort food.

And like any good dish worth its salt, our eggplant parmesan has its little secret: a personal touch that makes all the difference. I remember well when my grandma used to place whole basil leaves between the layers; that simple gesture turned a common dish into something unforgettable. You too can try adding this aromatic note, or dare to sprinkle herbed breadcrumbs to create an even more fragrant and inviting version.

Now roll up your sleeves: it’s time to dive into the preparation! And remember – love is the secret ingredient that will make everything perfect.

Recipe Notes

• EASE: A classic recipe with a unique twist that’s simple to prepare.
• PROS: Authentic flavor, rich with fresh ingredients and Italian aromas.
• CONS: Long preparation time, but definitely worth it!
• PREPARATION: Cleaning and frying the eggplants, layering and baking.
• NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 400 calories per serving. Packed with fiber and protein.

Ingredients Notes for the Recipe

• Eggplant: perfect for even layers and intense flavor
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: adds a Mediterranean and healthy touch to the dish
• Tomato Sauce: essential for a rich and enveloping taste
• Breadcrumbs: adds crispiness and texture to the layers
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: gives intense flavor and complexity to the dish
• Buffalo Mozzarella: for a perfect creamy and stringy consistency
• Fresh Basil to taste: adds freshness and aroma to the final preparation
• Salt to taste: balances the flavor of the main ingredients harmoniously

Nutritional Aspects

Let’s dive into the nutritional benefits of this delightful recipe for Eggplant Parmesan, a dish packed with flavor and tradition.

• A great source of fiber from the eggplant, which is excellent for digestion.
• It contains calcium and protein from the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella.
• Rich in lycopene from the tomato sauce, a powerful antioxidant.
• Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Fresh basil adds vitamins and an aromatic touch to the dish.
• A vegetarian dish that provides a variety of essential nutrients.
• Ideally enjoyed in moderate portions to balance the calories.

Recipe for Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic of Italian cuisine that always wins everyone's hearts. This recipe allows you to bring the taste of tradition to the table with a unique and fresh touch, thanks to the addition of basil between the layers. With only 400 Kcal per serving, it's a delicious and light dish. Enjoy your meal!

Servings 4

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Ingredients

• 6 Melanzane Lunghe Eggplants Long
• 25 Cl Olio D'oliva Olive Oil
• 30 Cl Salsa Di Pomodoro Tomato Sauce
• 1 Cucchiaio Pangrattato Breadcrumbs
• 50 G Formaggio Parmigiano grattugiato Parmesan Cheese Grated
• 200 G Mozzarella Di Bufala Buffalo Mozzarella
• Basilico fresco q.b. Basil Fresh
• Sale q.b. Salt

Instructions

• Clean the eggplants and cut them into four longitudinal slices each. Sprinkle them with salt and let them drain for about an hour to remove the bitterness.
• After letting them rest, pat dry the eggplant slices with paper towels.
• Heat plenty of olive oil in a pan and fry the eggplant slices until they become golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove the excess oil.
• Take an ovenproof dish and start layering the dish: place a first layer of eggplants, then cover with tomato sauce, sprinkle with a mixture of grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs, and add diced mozzarella.
• Repeat the steps to create multiple layers, finishing with the cheese.
• Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes or until the surface becomes golden and the mozzarella has melted perfectly.
• Once cooked, let the Parmigiana rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing it to set.

Notes

For a unique twist to your Parmigiana, add fresh basil leaves between the layers for a more aromatic flavor and unexpected freshness! Additionally, you can substitute traditional breadcrumbs with garlic or herb-flavored breadcrumbs to give an extra aroma to the dish.

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 400kcal

Course: Main Dishes

Keyword: Buffalo Mozzarella, Culinary twist, Eggplant, Eggplant Parmigiana, Fresh basil, Italian recipe, Parmesan Cheese, Tomato sauce, Traditional cuisine, traditional recipe

Variations of Eggplant Parmigiana: Tradition on the Table

Add some fresh basil for a touch of aromatic freshness.

• Swap the breadcrumbs for garlic or herb-infused breadcrumbs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggplant Parmesan

If you’re unsure about how to make Eggplant Parmesan, you’ll find answers to the most common questions here.

How can I get rid of the bitterness of the eggplant?

After slicing them, sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about an hour to draw out the bitterness.

How can I make my parmigiana more flavorful?

Add fresh basil leaves between the layers for a more aromatic taste and an unexpected freshness.

Can I substitute traditional breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute traditional breadcrumbs with garlic or herb-seasoned breadcrumbs to add an extra aroma to the dish.