Parmigiana di Melanzane

Introduction

Parmigiana di Melanzane, also known as Eggplant Parmesan, is a classic Italian dish that is loved all over the world. Layers of crispy fried eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese make for a delicious and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a meal prep option for the week. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make Parmigiana di Melanzane at home with this easy recipe.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Season with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with paper towels. Coat each slice with flour and shake off any excess.
4. In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a casserole dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of eggplant slices, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and basil. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the Parmigiana di Melanzane cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.

Variations

Vegetarian/Vegan

To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese or use vegan cheese substitutes. You can also add some nutritional yeast to the tomato sauce for a cheesy flavor.

Gluten-free

To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Meat

If you prefer a meaty version of this dish, you can add some ground beef or Italian sausage to the tomato sauce.

Conclusion

Parmigiana di Melanzane is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With crispy fried eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy night in or a meal prep option for the week, this recipe has got you covered. Try it out and let us know what you think!

FAQ

What is Parmigiana di Melanzane?

Parmigiana di Melanzane is a classic Italian dish made with layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese, typically mozzarella and Parmesan.

What type of eggplant should I use for Parmigiana di Melanzane?

You can use any type of eggplant for this dish, but we recommend using smaller eggplants with fewer seeds, as they tend to be less bitter.

How do I prepare the eggplant for this dish?

To prepare the eggplant, slice it into rounds or lengthwise, then sprinkle salt over each slice and let them sit for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before using in the recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to cook it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze Parmigiana di Melanzane?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.

What can I serve with Parmigiana di Melanzane?

Parmigiana di Melanzane is a filling dish on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to mop up any excess sauce.

Can I substitute the cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese with other types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina. However, the dish may have a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use any type of tomato sauce, such as marinara or arrabbiata. You can also make your own tomato sauce from scratch.

How long does it take to bake Parmigiana di Melanzane?

It typically takes about 45 minutes to bake Parmigiana di Melanzane, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the eggplant is tender.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version of this dish by using vegan cheese and omitting the Parmesan cheese. You can also use a vegan tomato sauce and eggplant.