CookPal AI
Italian Eggplant Parmigiana

Italian Eggplant Parmigiana

Cost $15, save $10

Source: Recommended by CookPal

  • 75 Min
  • 8 Servings
  • $15

INGREDIENTS

  • Vegetables

    • 🍆 3 pounds large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch slices
    • 🌿 8 leaves fresh basil leaves, halved
  • Pantry Items

    • 🧂 2 tablespoons coarse salt, or as needed
    • 🌾 2 tablespoons flour for dredging
    • 🧅 ½ onion, finely chopped
    • 🧄 3 cloves garlic, halved
    • 🍅 3 (15 ounce) cans tomato puree
  • Cheese / Dairy

    • 🧀 1 ½ (16 ounce) packages fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
    • 🧀 2 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Oils

    • 5 cups vegetable oil for frying
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

STEPS

1

Place a single layer of eggplant slices in a colander sitting on a plate and sprinkle with coarse salt. Cover with a second layer and sprinkle with salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant. Place a plate on top and add a weight to put pressure on the eggplant slices. Let stand at room temperature for about 1 hour.

2

Rinse eggplant slices under running cold water to wash off all the salt. Pat dry on all sides with paper towels.

3

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge eggplant slices in flour on both sides and add to the hot oil, working in batches. Deep fry eggplant until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

4

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; cook garlic and onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tomato puree, 4 basil leaves, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until sauce starts to thicken, about 20 minutes. Remove sauce from heat. Discard garlic and stir in remaining basil leaves.

5

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

6

Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Cover with a single layer of eggplant slices. Top with more sauce, mozzarella slices, and Parmesan cheese. Continue making layers, a total of 3 to 5, finishing with tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.

7

Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and bubbling, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 20 minutes before serving.

NUTRIENTS

Per 1 serving

🔥

592

Calories

  • 35
    Protein
  • 31
    Carbs
  • 39
    Fats

💡 Salting the eggplant removes bitterness and enhances its texture.Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for the best flavor.Let the dish rest after baking to make slicing easier and enhance flavors.