Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight
Experience the mouthwatering layers of our Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight, where tender slices of eggplant are perfectly breaded and fried to golden perfection, then nestled in a rich, savory tomato sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese, this dish is generously seasoned with fresh oregano leaves for an aromatic kick. Ideal for a comforting main meal, or served on crusty bread for a delicious eggplant parmigiana sandwich, this recipe simplifies the traditional process, making it quicker and easier without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
3 medium (sliced into 1-inch rounds)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (for coating)
Flour
1 cup (for coating)
Egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Red onion
1 small (chopped)
Tomato puree
2 cups (for sauce)
Oregano leaves
1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon (to garnish) (dry)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (for drizzling) (for cooking and drizzling)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (for layering)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Olive oil
for frying (enough for frying the eggplant)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Slice the eggplants into 1-inch thick rounds and arrange them in a shallow bowl. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
4
Stir in the tomato puree and 1 teaspoon of oregano leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
After 30 minutes, rinse the salted eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
6
Set up a dredging station: Place the flour in one bowl, the beaten egg in a second bowl, and the breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Dip each eggplant slice first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
7
In a large skillet, heat enough olive oil for frying over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded eggplant slices in batches and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove them and drain on paper towels.
8
In a baking dish, layer half of the fried eggplant rounds, followed by a generous spoonful of the tomato sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
9
Repeat the layering process with the remaining eggplant rounds, sauce, and mozzarella.
10
Finally, top the stack generously with grated Parmesan and garnish with a sprinkle of oregano leaves.
11
Drizzle the top with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, turning golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight?
It is a layered Italian-style dish featuring breaded and fried eggplant slices, savory tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
How many eggplants are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 medium-sized eggplants.
How thick should the eggplant be sliced?
The eggplants should be sliced into 1-inch thick rounds.
Why do I need to sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices?
Sprinkling salt helps draw out excess moisture from the eggplant before the breading process.
How long should the eggplant sit with salt?
Let the salted slices sit for about 30 minutes.
Do I need to rinse the eggplant after salting it?
Yes, rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels after 30 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How do I make the tomato sauce for this dish?
Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion in olive oil, then stir in tomato puree and oregano and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
What ingredients are in the dredging station?
You will need three separate bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
What is the order for coating the eggplant?
Dip each slice first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
How long should I fry the eggplant slices?
Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What type of onion is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 small red onion, chopped.
How much tomato puree is required?
You will need 2 cups of tomato puree.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the top layer.
How do I layer the eggplant parmesan?
Layer half the eggplant rounds, then sauce, then mozzarella, and repeat the process.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake the assembled dish for 25-30 minutes.
How can I tell when the eggplant parmesan is done?
It is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has turned golden brown.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use this recipe to make a sandwich?
Yes, it can be served on crusty bread to make a delicious eggplant parmigiana sandwich.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses fresh or dry oregano leaves for flavoring and garnishing.
Do I need to add oil before baking?
Yes, drizzle the top of the dish with olive oil before putting it in the oven.
How many garlic cloves are in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 minced garlic clove.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Olive oil is used for both the sauce, the frying, and the final drizzle.
Is this a quick recipe?
This recipe simplifies the traditional process, making it quicker and easier to prepare.
Should the eggplant be drained after frying?
Yes, remove the fried slices from the skillet and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
How much salt and pepper should I add to the sauce?
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your personal taste preference.
Can this be served for a family gathering?
Yes, it is designed to be a comforting main meal perfect for family gatherings.
What is the texture of the finished eggplant?
The eggplant is tender on the inside with a crispy, golden breaded exterior.
Does this recipe include any fiber information?
While nutritional data is not provided in the source, eggplant is naturally a good source of fiber.