Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan)

Eggplant Parmigiana (Italian: Parmigiana di Melanzane) is a classic Italian comfort dish made with breaded eggplant slices layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden.

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Eggplant

• 2 large eggplants

• 1 tsp salt (for removing bitterness)

Breading

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 large eggs

• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (Italian style preferred)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

Sauce & Layers

• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

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🔪 Preparation

1. Slice eggplants into ½-inch (1 cm) thick rounds.

2. Sprinkle with salt and let sit 20 minutes to remove bitterness.

3. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

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🍳 Bread the Eggplant

Prepare three bowls:

1. Flour in the first bowl.

2. Beaten eggs in the second.

3. Breadcrumbs + Parmesan + garlic powder + pepper in the third.

Steps:

1. Coat eggplant slice in flour.

2. Dip in egg.

3. Coat with breadcrumb mixture.

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🍆 Cook the Eggplant

Option 1 – Pan fry (traditional):

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.

2. Fry eggplant slices 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

3. Place on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Option 2 – Bake (lighter):

1. Place breaded slices on a baking tray.

2. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

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🥘 Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Spread a little tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

3. Add a layer of eggplant slices.

4. Add mozzarella + Parmesan + sauce.

5. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.

Finish with cheese on top.

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🔥 Bake

• Bake for 30–35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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❄️ Rest

• Let the dish sit 10–15 minutes before serving so layers set.

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🍽️ Serve

Serve with:

• Garlic bread

• Pasta

• Fresh salad

Garnish with fresh basil.

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✅ Total Time: ~1 hour
✅ Servings: 4–6
✅ Flavor: cheesy, savory, rich Italian comfort food.

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⭐ Optional Variations

• 🧀 Add ricotta cheese between layers.

• 🌿 Add oregano or thyme to the sauce.

• 🍅 Use homemade marinara sauce for deeper flavor.

• 🍗 Some versions add chicken or meat sauce.

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If you want, I can also show you:

• Authentic Italian grandmother-style Eggplant Parmigiana (no breadcrumbs) 🇮🇹

• or a crispy air fryer eggplant parmesan recipe