Mouthwatering Eggplant Parmesan Recipe 🍆🧀🍅
Indulge in this Mouthwatering Eggplant Parmesan – crispy, cheesy, and perfectly baked with a savory marinara sauce. A comfort food classic with a vegetarian twist! 🍽️✨
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds 🍆
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) 🍞
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 🧀
- 1 egg, beaten 🥚
- 2 cups marinara sauce 🍅
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 🌿
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- Salt & pepper, to taste 🧂🌶️
- Olive oil for frying 🫒
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. 🍆⏳
- After 30 minutes, pat the slices dry with paper towels. 🧻
- Coat the Eggplant:
- In one bowl, beat the egg. 🍳
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 🧂🧄
- Dip each eggplant slice into the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. 🍆🍞
- Fry the Eggplant:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. 🫒🔥
- Fry the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. 🍆🧑🍳
- Place fried eggplant on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. 🧻
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 🔥
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. 🍅
- Layer the fried eggplant slices, followed by marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers. 🍆🍅🧀
- Top with any remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. 🧀✨
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. 🔥🧀
- Garnish with fresh basil. 🌿
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick! 🌶️🔥
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. 🍞🧄
- You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve. 🥡🍴
Enjoy your Mouthwatering Eggplant Parmesan – crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible! 🍆🧀🍅