Eggplant Parmesan: An Easy, Classic Dinner Dish For a Family Meal

Experience the hearty goodness of Italian comfort food with Eggplant Parmesan, a classic dish that layers thinly sliced eggplant with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. In this guide, we’ll take you through the simple steps to create this beloved vegetarian delight, making it an easy and delightful choice for a family meal that’s sure to satisfy every palate.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggplants, thinly sliced
  • Salt for sweating eggplant
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking the Eggplant Parmesan.
  2. Sweat and Slice Eggplant: Sprinkle salt over the thinly sliced eggplant and let it sweat for 30 minutes. Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry.
  3. Set Up Breading Station: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
  4. Bread the Eggplant: Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Fry the Eggplant: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
  6. Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the eggplant. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
  7. Bake Until Bubbly: Bake the Eggplant Parmesan in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish the Eggplant Parmesan with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
  9. Slice and Serve Warm: Slice into portions and serve the Eggplant Parmesan warm, allowing your family to enjoy the layers of cheesy goodness.
  10. Enjoy the Italian Comfort: Gather your loved ones around the table and relish the Italian comfort of Eggplant Parmesan. This easy-to-make classic dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of hearty flavors and shared moments.

Eggplant Parmesan is a culinary masterpiece that brings the flavors of Italy to your family dinner. With its simple preparation and layers of cheesy goodness, this classic dinner dish is sure to become a family favorite, creating an atmosphere of comfort and togetherness around your dining table. Buon appetito!

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