Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that has been around for many years. It is a delicious combination of eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and cheese, all baked together in a casserole dish. This tasty dish is a great way to get a variety of vegetables into your family’s meals. Eggplant Parmesan is also a great way to use up any extra eggplants that you have in your garden or in your refrigerator. It is a simple and easy dish to make, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone in your family.
What is Eggplant Parmesan?
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish made with eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and cheese. The eggplant is sliced and then fried in oil until it is lightly browned. It is then layered with tomato sauce and cheese in a casserole dish, and then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Eggplant Parmesan is usually served as a main dish, but it can also be served as a side dish or a vegetarian option.
What Ingredients Do I Need?
The ingredients needed to make Eggplant Parmesan are fairly simple. You will need eggplants, olive oil, tomato sauce, cheese, and seasonings. You can use any type of cheese you prefer, and you can also add any other toppings you would like, such as olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers. The key to making this dish is to slice the eggplant thinly and to fry it in oil until it is golden brown.
How Do I Prepare the Eggplant?
The first step in making Eggplant Parmesan is to prepare the eggplant. Start by washing the eggplant and then slicing it into thin rounds. Once the eggplant is sliced, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the eggplant slices and fry until golden brown. Once the eggplant is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
How Do I Assemble the Dish?
Once the eggplant is cooked, you can begin to assemble the dish. Start by spreading a layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Then, layer the cooked eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Sprinkle some cheese over the eggplant, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Then, repeat the layering process again until the baking dish is full. Finally, pour some more tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with more cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How Do I Serve Eggplant Parmesan?
Eggplant Parmesan is best served hot out of the oven. It can be served as a main dish with a side salad, or as a side dish with pasta. It is also delicious served with crusty bread or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cheese should I use?
You can use any type of cheese you prefer. Popular choices include mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone. You can also mix and match different types of cheese for extra flavor.
Can I use frozen eggplant?
Yes, you can use frozen eggplant for this recipe. However, the eggplant will not be as flavorful as fresh eggplant. You may also need to increase the cooking time slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the eggplant Parmesan ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if the dish is cold when it goes into the oven.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make this dish vegan by omitting the cheese and using a vegan-friendly tomato sauce. You can also use vegan cheese if you prefer.
Is Eggplant Parmesan gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels of any store-bought tomato sauce or cheese to make sure they are gluten-free.
