Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian comfort food dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender eggplant, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Today, we bring you a delightful twist on the traditional recipe with our Eggplant Parmesan Recipe 2. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a show-stopping main course for a family meal.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 eggs
– 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Eggplant Parmesan bakes evenly to golden perfection.
2. **Prep the Eggplant:** Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch rounds. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture from the eggplant. Then, pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove the salt and moisture.
3. **Breading Station:** Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in one dish, beat the eggs in another dish, and combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
4. **Coat the Eggplant:** Dip each eggplant slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the slice in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.
5. **Pan Fry the Eggplant:** In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, pan-fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Add more oil to the pan as needed.
6. **Assemble the Layers:** In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices on top, overlapping slightly. Spoon more sauce over the eggplant and sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese.
7. **Bake to Perfection:** Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. **Garnish and Serve:** Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Let the Eggplant Parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Enjoy your Eggplant Parmesan Recipe 2 hot and fresh out of the oven. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine for a delightful dining experience. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its layers of flavor and comforting texture. Buon appetito!
