Microwave Eggplant Parmesan Delight
This Microwave Eggplant Parmesan Delight is a beloved recipe passed down from my grandmother, bringing comfort and flavor to any kitchen in just a matter of minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this vegetarian dish offers layers of tender eggplant, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese, all prepared effortlessly in your microwave. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, it's sure to satisfy the entire family. You can easily customize it by adding cooked meat for those who prefer a protein boost, making it versatile enough for everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 (medium, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch rounds)
Low-sodium tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (none)
Water
1 cup (none)
Chunky low-sodium tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (none)
Oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
Basil
1 tablespoon (dried)
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the eggplant and slicing it into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium tomato paste, water, and chunky low-sodium tomatoes. Stir thoroughly until blended.
3
Add the oregano and basil to the tomato mixture and mix well.
4
Spread a thin layer of the tomato mixture on the bottom of a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish.
5
Layer half of the sliced eggplant over the sauce, then pour on half of the remaining sauce and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
6
Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the very top to add a deliciously cheesy crust.
8
Cover the casserole dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
9
Place the casserole in the microwave and cook on High for 14 minutes. If your microwave does not have a rotating turntable, carefully turn the dish halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.
10
Check that the cheese has melted and the eggplant is tender before removing it from the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microwave Eggplant Parmesan Delight?
It is a quick vegetarian dish consisting of layers of tender eggplant, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese, traditionally passed down from the creator's grandmother.
How should I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
You should peel the eggplant and slice it into rounds that are approximately 1/8-inch thick.
What ingredients are needed for the tomato sauce?
The sauce is made by combining a 6-ounce can of low-sodium tomato paste, 1 cup of water, a 14.5-ounce can of chunky low-sodium tomatoes, and dried oregano and basil.
Which herbs are used in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon each of dried oregano and dried basil.
How do I assemble the first layer of the casserole?
Start by spreading a thin layer of the prepared tomato mixture on the bottom of a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish.
How many layers of eggplant are in this dish?
The recipe uses two main layers of eggplant, each topped with sauce and mozzarella cheese.
What type of cheese is used between the layers?
Shredded mozzarella cheese is used for the internal layers and the top layer.
What cheese is used to create the crust on top?
Grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on the very top to add a cheesy crust.
How long does the eggplant take to cook in the microwave?
The casserole should be cooked on High for approximately 14 minutes.
Should the casserole dish be covered while cooking?
Yes, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
What if my microwave does not have a rotating turntable?
You should carefully turn the dish halfway through the 14-minute cooking time to ensure even heating.
How can I tell if the dish is done?
Check that the cheese has fully melted and the eggplant slices are tender before removing the dish from the microwave.
Can I add meat to this eggplant parmesan?
Yes, you can easily customize the dish by adding cooked meat for a protein boost.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered low in cholesterol?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is low cholesterol.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
The recipe specifically calls for a 14.5-ounce can of chunky low-sodium tomatoes for the intended texture and flavor.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a family recipe passed down from the creator's grandmother.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to be an easy weeknight meal that can be prepared in just a matter of minutes.
Do I need to cook the tomato sauce before layering?
No, you simply stir the paste, water, tomatoes, and herbs together in a mixing bowl before layering.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: eggplant, tomato paste, water, chunky tomatoes, oregano, basil, mozzarella, and parmesan.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need?
You will need 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a main dish or a hearty side.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to peel the eggplant and slice it into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
Why is the dish vented while microwaving?
Leaving a small vent allows steam to escape during the cooking process.
How much tomato paste is used?
One 6-ounce can of low-sodium tomato paste is used.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh herbs?
The recipe specifies using dried oregano and dried basil.
What is the total preparation time in the microwave?
The total microwave cooking time is 14 minutes.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a comfort food dish that is sure to satisfy the entire family.