Hearty Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Delight in the classic Italian flavors of this Hearty Baked Eggplant Parmesan. Known for its rich taste and simple preparation, this recipe becomes a centerpiece for any family meal. By choosing to grill the eggplant, you retain the delightful texture and flavor while reducing excess oil. The combination of fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese melds beautifully with the homemade tomato sauce, creating a dish that's as visually pleasing as it is delicious. Ideal for both weekday dinners and special occasions, this version is sure to impress. Serve it as a main course or a nutritious side, and savor the flavors of freshly chopped thyme and parsley woven into the aromatic tomato sauce.
6
Servings
366
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggplants
2-3 (sliced into long, thick slices)
salt
to taste (for salting eggplant)
seasoned flour
as needed (for dusting eggplant)
olive oil
for grilling and sauteing (as needed)
fresh mozzarella balls
8-10 (sliced into rounds)
grana padano or parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
400g can (none)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (chopped)
parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
sugar
1 pinch (none)
Instructions
1
1. Prep Eggplant: Slice the eggplants into long, thick slices. Sprinkle lightly with salt to draw out moisture. Let rest for about 30 minutes and then pat dry with paper towels.
2
2. Grill Eggplant: Preheat your grill. Lightly brush eggplant slices with olive oil and grill until tender and lightly browned on both sides. Set aside.
3
3. Tomato Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until transparent. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Stir in canned diced tomatoes, thyme, parsley, a pinch of sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
4
4. Assemble: Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil. Place a layer of grilled eggplant on the bottom. Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella slices. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with tomato sauce and mozzarella on top.
5
5. Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the final layer. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
6
6. Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
25g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Baked Eggplant Parmesan?
Hearty Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian-style dish featuring grilled eggplant layered with homemade tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 366 calories, 25g of carbohydrates, and 13g of protein.
Why should I salt the eggplant before cooking?
Sprinkling the eggplant with salt draws out excess moisture, which improves the texture of the dish.
How long should the eggplant rest after being salted?
The eggplant slices should rest for about 30 minutes before being patted dry with paper towels.
Why does this recipe suggest grilling instead of frying?
Grilling the eggplant helps retain its delightful texture and flavor while significantly reducing the amount of excess oil compared to traditional frying.
What types of cheese are used in this Hearty Baked Eggplant Parmesan?
The recipe calls for 8-10 fresh mozzarella balls sliced into rounds and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese.
How do I make the homemade tomato sauce?
Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic in olive oil, then add diced tomatoes, thyme, parsley, sugar, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
What herbs are included in the aromatic tomato sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with fresh chopped thyme and parsley.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The sauce should be covered and simmered for 10 minutes.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C.
How long does the eggplant parmesan need to bake?
Bake the dish for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How should I prepare the eggplant for the recipe?
Slice 2-3 large eggplants into long, thick slices.
What is the layering order for assembly?
Start with a layer of grilled eggplant, followed by tomato sauce and mozzarella slices, repeating until ingredients are used and finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
Can I use Grana Padano instead of Parmesan?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either freshly grated Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of sugar is added to the tomato sauce to help balance the flavors.
What type of tomatoes should I buy?
Use a 400g can of Italian-style diced tomatoes.
Does the recipe require a specific amount of garlic?
The recipe requires 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
Should I let the dish rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving.
How do I prepare the eggplant for grilling?
After drying the salted slices, lightly brush them with olive oil before placing them on the preheated grill.
What is the role of seasoned flour in this recipe?
Seasoned flour is used as needed for dusting the eggplant slices before they are prepared.
Is this recipe suitable for a main course?
Yes, it is ideal as a main course or can also be served as a nutritious side dish.
How many eggplants are needed?
You will need 2 to 3 large eggplants.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 13 ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I know when the eggplant is finished grilling?
The slices should be tender and lightly browned on both sides.
Can I use fresh mozzarella for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 8-10 fresh mozzarella balls sliced into rounds.
What is the final topping for the dish?
The final layer is topped with mozzarella, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is noted as being ideal for both weekday dinners and special occasions.
What size should the onion be chopped?
The onion should be finely chopped for the sauce.
Is this dish visually appealing?
Yes, the combination of layers and melted cheese creates a dish that is as visually pleasing as it is delicious.