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Crispy Eggplant Parmesan

Crispy Eggplant Parmesan: A Cozy, Crunchy Vegetarian Treat

Crispy Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful vegetarian dish featuring crunchy eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 30 ounces Imported Chopped Italian Tomatoes Two cans, preferably San Marzano for enhanced flavor
  • 0.5 cups Finely Chopped Onion Yellow or white onions are ideal
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves Minced, fresh garlic preferred
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh Basil Finely chopped, use 1 tablespoon of dried if needed
  • Salt and Pepper To taste; freshly ground pepper recommended
  • Red Pepper Flakes Optional for a kick
For the Eggplant
  • 2-3 medium Medium Eggplants Firm and glossy for best results
  • 6 tablespoons Kosher Salt To draw out moisture and bitterness
  • 4 tablespoons Olive Oil Divided; high-quality extra virgin preferred
For the Cheese Layer
  • 1.5 cups Grated Mozzarella Cheese Freshly grated for best melting quality
  • 1.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated is recommended

Equipment

  • heavy saucepan
  • baking sheet
  • Colander
  • Baking pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Eggplant: Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 3/4 to 1-inch thick slices. Sprinkle kosher salt, layer in a colander, and place a plate on top. Drain for 45-60 minutes.
  2. Make Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan, sauté onion until translucent, add garlic, and cook for another minute. Stir in tomatoes and seasonings, simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Broil Eggplant: After draining, preheat your broiler, brush eggplant with remaining olive oil, and broil for 3-5 minutes on each side until browned and crispy.
  4. Assemble Dish: In a baking pan, layer sauce, eggplant, cheese, repeat until all are used, finishing with sauce and cheese.
  5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled dish for 35-40 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for best results. Allow the dish to rest after baking to set layers for cleaner slices.

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