Artificial Delights

Eggplant Parmesan with Homemade Marinara Sauce

Vegetarian

This Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a classic Italian dish that’s hearty, delicious, and vegetarian-friendly. Layers of breaded and fried eggplant slices are smothered in homemade marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

For the Marinara Sauce:

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until translucent.

Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried basil. Stir for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add the crushed tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until thickened.

Meanwhile, prepare the eggplant. Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Set up a breading station with the flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned bread crumbs in separate bowls.

Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and then the seasoned bread crumbs. Make sure each slice is coated evenly.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of fried eggplant slices, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all the eggplant slices are used up, ending with a layer of cheese.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.

Let the Eggplant Parmesan cool for a few minutes before serving.

 

This Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a classic Italian dish that’s hearty, delicious, and vegetarian-friendly. Layers of crispy breaded eggplant slices are smothered in homemade marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.

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