Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe : An Italian Delight for Vegetarians
Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic Italian dish made with layers of eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for coating the eggplant)
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Layering:
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Eggplant:
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture and bitterness. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Dredge the eggplant slices in flour, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown on both sides. Place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
2. Making the Marinara Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
3. Layering:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce.
- Place a layer of fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the eggplant.
- Repeat the layers until all the eggplant is used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
4. Baking:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serving:
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve the Eggplant Parmigiana with your favorite salad and crusty bread.
Tips:
- Make sure to remove excess moisture from the eggplant to avoid a watery dish.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese quantities according to your preference.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with breadcrumbs or a gluten-free flour for coating the eggplant.
Enjoy this Eggplant Parmigiana, showcasing the rich flavours of perfectly cooked eggplant, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese!
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