Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Slice eggplants into 1/4 inch rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture; then pat dry.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes.
Frying
- Dip each eggplant slice in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs, ensuring even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides.
- Place fried eggplant on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange a single layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce, then top with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
- Let the Eggplant Parmesan cool for 10 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
For best results, do not skip the salting step for the eggplant, as it helps remove bitterness and excess water, leading to a crispier texture. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
