Savory Eggplant Parmesan Gratin
Indulge in this delightful Savory Eggplant Parmesan Gratin, inspired by the Barefoot Contessa’s 'Memory Lane' episode. This comforting dish brings together layers of luscious, perfectly fried eggplant slices and a creamy ricotta-egg mixture, all bathed in rich marinara sauce and topped with a golden, cheesy crust. It's a vegetarian love letter to Italian cuisine, bursting with flavor and warmth, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a solo treat.
2
Servings
325
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
for frying
eggplant
3/4 lb (unpeeled, sliced 1/2-inch thick)
ricotta cheese
1/4 cup
extra-large egg
1
half-and-half
1/4 cup
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup
freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons
kosher salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
good bottled marinara sauce
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
In a large frying pan, heat about 1/8-inch of olive oil over medium heat until it is shimmering but not smoking.
3
Carefully add several slices of eggplant to the hot oil and fry for about 5 minutes, turning once until they’re beautifully browned and tender. Handle with care as the oil may splatter.
4
Once cooked, transfer the eggplant slices onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat this step with any remaining slices, adding more oil as needed.
5
In a small mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the extra-large egg, half-and-half, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6
In each of your two gratin dishes, lay down a bed of fried eggplant slices, then sprinkle with a bit of the remaining Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. Spoon 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over the layer.
7
For the next layer, add another portion of eggplant, followed by a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, pour half of the ricotta mixture over the top and finish with 1 tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese in each dish.
8
Place both gratin dishes on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Eggplant Parmesan Gratin?
It is a comforting vegetarian dish featuring layers of fried eggplant, a creamy ricotta-egg mixture, and marinara sauce, topped with a cheesy crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What is the primary vegetable used in this recipe?
The main ingredient is 3/4 lb of eggplant.
Should the eggplant be peeled before cooking?
No, the eggplant should be unpeeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
What kind of oil is recommended for frying the eggplant?
Olive oil is used for frying the eggplant slices.
How long do the eggplant slices need to be fried?
They should be fried for about 5 minutes, turning once until they are browned and tender.
How should I handle the eggplant after frying?
Transfer the slices onto paper towels to drain any excess oil before layering.
What ingredients are in the ricotta mixture?
The mixture consists of 1/4 cup ricotta cheese, one extra-large egg, 1/4 cup half-and-half, 1/4 cup Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
What size of egg is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one extra-large egg.
How much marinara sauce is needed in total?
You will need 1/2 cup of good bottled marinara sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese is required for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese plus an additional 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian recipe.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 325 calories per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 21g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
There are 12g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One serving contains 20g of carbohydrates.
What is the first step in layering the gratin dishes?
Start with a bed of fried eggplant slices, followed by Parmesan, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of marinara sauce.
What goes on top of the final eggplant layer?
Half of the ricotta mixture is poured over the top, followed by a tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan.
Why should I place the gratin dishes on a baking sheet?
The baking sheet is used to catch any drips that may occur during the baking process.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the gratin for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do you know when the gratin is finished cooking?
It is done when the custard is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Should the dish be served immediately after baking?
The recipe recommends allowing it to cool slightly before serving warm.
What inspired this recipe?
This dish was inspired by the Barefoot Contessa’s 'Memory Lane' episode.
What are the total number of ingredients used?
The recipe requires 10 specific ingredients.
What category does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under 'Vegetable' dishes.
Is there any fiber or sugar information available?
No, the fiber and sugar values are not specified for this recipe.
Can I garnish the dish with more cheese?
Yes, you can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for this recipe.
What is the recommended preparation for the black pepper?
The recipe calls for freshly ground black pepper.