Savory Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Tomato-Grape Sauce
Experience a delightful twist on the classic eggplant parmesan with this Savory Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Tomato-Grape Sauce recipe. A harmonious blend of flavors, this dish features perfectly browned eggplant slices layered with melty mozzarella and a unique, slightly sweet tomato sauce infused with grape jelly. The combination of seasoned flour, frying, and baking creates a comforting texture, making it a hearty vegetarian main dish. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe serves four and offers a great opportunity to enjoy eggplant in a whole new way. Don't forget: any leftover eggplant slices can be frozen for future use, ensuring that no delicious ingredient goes to waste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices)
flour
as needed (for dusting)
oil
as needed (for frying)
seasoning salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Prego spaghetti sauce with meat
16 ounces (ready to use)
grape jelly
1/4 cup (for sauce)
sliced-style stewed tomatoes
14 ounces (for sauce)
mozzarella cheese
4 slices (ready to use)
parmesan cheese
to taste (for seasoning flour)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prepare the eggplant by peeling it and cutting it into 1/4-inch thick slices.
3
Moisten each slice of eggplant lightly, then dust both sides with flour mixed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and seasoning salt for added flavor.
4
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the eggplant slices in batches until they are golden brown and fork-tender, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
5
Transfer the browned eggplant slices to a jelly roll pan.
6
Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and cooked through.
7
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the grape jelly and the sliced-style stewed tomatoes. Use a fork to break down the tomatoes and stir the mixture.
8
Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is hot but do not let it boil. Ensure that the grape jelly is fully melted and well incorporated.
9
To serve, arrange 2 eggplant slices on each of the 4 plates. Top each slice with a slice of mozzarella cheese, then ladle a portion of the hot tomato-grape sauce over the eggplant. Be careful not to completely cover the eggplant slices.
10
Place the plates in the oven just long enough to melt the mozzarella cheese, approximately 5-7 minutes.
11
Serve the eggplant parmesan immediately for the best flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Tomato-Grape Sauce?
It is a vegetarian main dish featuring browned eggplant slices layered with mozzarella and a unique tomato sauce infused with grape jelly.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve four people.
What makes the tomato sauce in this recipe unique?
The sauce is unique because it blends stewed tomatoes with grape jelly for a slightly sweet and savory flavor profile.
How thick should the eggplant be sliced?
The eggplant should be cut into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify peeling the eggplant before slicing.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F or 190°C.
How do I prepare the eggplant slices for frying?
Moisten each slice lightly and dust both sides with a mixture of flour, parmesan cheese, and seasoning salt.
How long do I fry the eggplant slices?
Fry the slices in batches for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
How can I tell when the eggplant is ready after frying?
The eggplant slices should be golden brown and fork-tender.
What type of pan should I use for baking?
The fried eggplant slices should be transferred to a jelly roll pan for the baking process.
Should the baking pan be covered?
Yes, cover the pan loosely with foil before placing it in the oven.
How long does the eggplant need to bake initially?
Bake the eggplant for 20-25 minutes until it is tender and fully cooked through.
How do I make the tomato-grape sauce?
Combine 1/4 cup of grape jelly and 14 ounces of sliced-style stewed tomatoes in a saucepan and stir until the jelly is melted.
Should the sauce be boiled?
No, the sauce should be heated until hot and the jelly is melted, but it should not reach a boil.
How do I assemble the plates for serving?
Arrange two eggplant slices on each plate, top them with mozzarella, and ladle the hot sauce over them.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 4 slices of mozzarella cheese for the final topping.
How do I melt the mozzarella cheese at the end?
Place the assembled plates in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Can I freeze any part of this recipe?
Yes, any leftover eggplant slices can be frozen for future use.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is described as a hearty vegetarian main dish.
What is the purpose of the seasoned flour?
The seasoned flour creates a flavorful crust and adds texture to the eggplant when fried.
What specific tomatoes are recommended for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of sliced-style stewed tomatoes.
How much grape jelly is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of grape jelly.
What seasonings are added to the dusting flour?
The flour is mixed with parmesan cheese and seasoning salt.
Why is the eggplant fried before baking?
Frying creates a golden brown color and initial tenderness before the baking process finishes the cooking.
How should the dish be served for the best results?
It should be served immediately after the mozzarella cheese has melted.
What are the primary flavor components of the dish?
The dish features savory fried eggplant, melty cheese, and a slightly sweet tomato-grape sauce.
Can I use any type of eggplant?
The recipe calls for one eggplant, typically a standard globe eggplant, peeled and sliced.
How do I handle the stewed tomatoes during prep?
Use a fork to break down the stewed tomatoes while mixing them with the grape jelly.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners.
Should the sauce cover the eggplant completely?
No, you should ladle the sauce over the slices but be careful not to completely cover them.