Preparing the Eggplant
- Salt the Eggplant:
- Lay the eggplant slices on a layer of paper towels and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process helps to draw out moisture and bitterness.
- After 30 minutes, rinse the salt off the eggplant slices and pat them dry with paper towels.
Breading the Eggplant
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Prepare three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in egg, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
Cooking the Eggplant
- Fry or Bake the Eggplant:
- For Frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices until they are golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded eggplant slices on greased baking sheets. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Assembling the Dish
- Layer the Ingredients:
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Arrange a layer of fried or baked eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with more marinara sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and some Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Baking the Eggplant Parmesan
- Bake the Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the Eggplant Parmesan cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Conclusion
This easy Eggplant Parmesan is a perfect dish for those who love the rich flavors of baked eggplant with the gooey goodness of melted cheese. It’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight but also special enough to serve at a gathering. Whether fried or baked, the eggplant becomes wonderfully tender, making it a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. Enjoy it on its own or with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.