Melanzane alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan)

Melanzane alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan)
  • PREP TIME
    45 mins
  • COOK TIME
    1 hrs 5 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 55 mins
  • SERVING
    6 People
  • VIEWS
    27

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily with this authentic Melanzane alla Parmigiana. Layers of perfectly fried eggplant, rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil create a symphony of flavors that will delight your senses. This is more than just eggplant Parmesan; it's a taste of Italian heritage.

Ingridients

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Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    37 g
  • Cholesterol
    83 mg
  • Fiber
    19 g
  • Protein
    29 g
  • Saturated Fat
    16 g
  • Sodium
    453 mg
  • Sugar
    16 g
  • Fat
    29 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Eggplant: Pour 2 cups of olive oil into a deep skillet, ensuring a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium heat. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Dry and Season: Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels. This ensures they fry properly. Set aside 4 whole basil leaves for garnish; finely chop the remaining leaves. (2 minutes)

03

Step

Fry the Eggplant: Fry the eggplant in batches in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season immediately with sea salt. (20-30 minutes)

04

Step

Make the Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the passata, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic cloves, 4 reserved basil leaves, and a pinch of salt. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and discard the garlic cloves. (15 minutes)

05

Step

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish. (5 minutes)

06

Step

Assemble the Parmigiana: Layer the ingredients in the prepared baking dish in the following order: fried eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, oregano, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil leaves. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella and a drizzle of the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. (20 minutes)

07

Step

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and the cheeses are melted and bubbly, about 40 minutes. (40 minutes)

08

Step

Rest and Serve: Let the Parmigiana stand for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to settle and the flavors to meld. (10 minutes)

For a richer flavor, consider using San Marzano tomatoes for your passata.
Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying the eggplant; work in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Fresh mozzarella is key for the best texture and flavor. Opt for a high-quality brand.
Adjust the amount of oregano to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a touch of heat.
Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, like sliced zucchini, peppers or potatoes

Darron Hettinger

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.8/ 5 ( 9 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Lilian Watsica

    The instructions were so clear and easy to follow. My family loved it!

  • Darby Hauck

    I used gluten-free breadcrumbs on the eggplant and it worked great for my dietary needs.

  • Kyra Friesen

    This recipe is amazing! The best eggplant parmesan I've ever made!

  • Stacey Jacobi

    Definitely worth the effort! Tastes like it came straight from Italy.

  • Antonietta Zemlak

    I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit!

  • Aurore Larkin

    I added a layer of ricotta cheese and it was delicious!

  • Floy Wunsch

    Letting it rest for a few minutes before slicing really does make a difference.

  • Drake Kuhic

    Next time, I'll make a double batch of the tomato sauce - it's that good!

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