Crispy Italian Eggplant Parmesan
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Italy with this Crispy Italian Eggplant Parmesan recipe. With layers of golden-fried eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for gatherings and family dinners. It’s not only a taste sensation but also a delightful way to enjoy vegetables. Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Perfect for both vegetarians and eggplant aficionados alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
2 large (cut into slices)
Eggs
4 (whisked)
All-purpose flour
4 cups (for coating)
Marinara sauce
1 cup (for topping)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Cooking oil
2 cups (for frying)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
3
In separate bowls, whisk the eggs in one and place the flour in the other. Season the flour with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
5
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
6
Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, shaking off any excess, and then dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it well on both sides.
7
Carefully place the coated eggplant slices in the hot oil. Fry them in batches, cooking until golden brown on either side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8
Once fried, transfer eggplant slices to a baking dish in a single layer. Top each slice with a spoonful of marinara sauce.
9
Bake in the oven for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
10
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Italian Eggplant Parmesan?
It is a classic Italian dish featuring layers of golden-fried eggplant rounds, rich marinara sauce, and savory Parmesan cheese.
How many eggplants are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 large eggplants cut into slices.
Why should I salt the eggplant slices before cooking?
Salting the eggplant for about 30 minutes helps draw out excess moisture and removes any inherent bitterness from the vegetable.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How thick should the eggplant rounds be sliced?
The eggplant should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
What are the ingredients for the eggplant coating?
The coating consists of 4 cups of all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, and 4 whisked eggs.
How long should the eggplant sit with salt?
Let the salted eggplant slices sit for approximately 30 minutes.
Do I need to rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, you should rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel before coating.
How much cooking oil is used for frying?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of cooking oil.
What is the first step in the coating process?
First, dip each eggplant slice into the seasoned flour and shake off any excess.
What is the second step in the coating process?
After the flour, dip the slice into the beaten eggs to ensure it is well-coated on both sides.
How long do I fry each eggplant slice?
Fry the slices in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
How do I prepare the eggplant for the oven?
Place the fried eggplant slices in a single layer in a baking dish and top each with a spoonful of marinara sauce.
How long does the eggplant bake in the oven?
Bake the eggplant for approximately 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be used as a garnish and added just before serving hot.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Crispy Italian Eggplant Parmesan is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Can this dish be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the marinara sauce.
How much marinara sauce is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of marinara sauce for topping the slices.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe specifies using 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Should the oil be hot before frying?
Yes, heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it is hot before adding the eggplant.
Can I cook all the eggplant at once?
It is better to fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their crispness.
What is the texture of this eggplant dish?
The eggplant has a golden-fried, crispy exterior with a tender interior.
How many eggs are used in the egg wash?
A total of 4 eggs are used for the whisked egg wash.
Is the flour seasoned?
Yes, the flour should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
What is the final garnish for this recipe?
The final garnish is freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use this recipe for family dinners?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
How do I ensure the eggplant isn't soggy?
Drawing out moisture with salt and frying in hot oil until golden helps ensure a crispy texture.
Is there a specific way to arrange the eggplant in the baking dish?
The fried slices should be transferred to a baking dish in a single layer before topping with sauce.