Bushra Griffith
Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious, vegetarian Italian dish that is well-loved by many families. The key ingredients are eggplant, cheese, and tomato sauce. The eggplant is sliced, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked or fried before being layered with tomato sauce and cheese, then baked again. The choice of cheese is important to get the right flavor and texture. While mozzarella and parmesan are popular choices, other cheeses such as provolone and pecorino can also be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Cheese | Parmesan |
| Other Cheeses | Mozzarella, Provolone, Pecorino |
| Fresh or Pre-Shredded | Fresh |
| Breadcrumbs | Homemade |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella and Parmesan
When making eggplant parmesan, it is important to slice the eggplant evenly, as this ensures even cooking. The eggplant slices are typically coated in flour and breadcrumbs before being baked or fried, creating a crispy texture. The breadcrumbs may also be seasoned with herbs and Parmesan cheese for added flavour.
After preparing the eggplant slices, the dish is assembled in layers. The bottom of a casserole dish is spread with tomato or marinara sauce, followed by a layer of eggplant slices, more sauce, and mozzarella slices. This layering process is repeated, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
The dish is then baked in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. It is typically garnished with fresh basil leaves before serving. The high heat of the oven ensures a crispy texture, and the combination of cheeses, sauce, and eggplant creates a delicious and hearty Italian classic.
Using freshly grated Parmesan and slicing the mozzarella to a consistent thickness ensures optimal melting and browning. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in eggplant parmesan creates a rich and flavourful dish that is sure to please.
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Freshly grate the cheese
To make the perfect eggplant parmesan, freshly grate the cheese. Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano will add more flavour to your dish. You can also use pecorino cheese. Grating the cheese yourself will ensure that your eggplant parmesan has a nice thick panko coating. This will give the dish a great texture and flavour. The overall seasoning of your eggplant parmesan will depend on the marinara and Parmesan cheese you use. If you are using homemade marinara sauce, add a sprinkle of salt and pepper between the layers of eggplant and cheese.
Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it on the breadcrumb mixture. You can also add shredded Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs. This will give the eggplant a nice crust. Freshly grate the mozzarella cheese and layer it with the eggplant. Repeat the layers, finishing with any remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Freshly grating the cheese will ensure that it melts beautifully. You can also sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the baked eggplant parmesan before serving. This will add a nice touch to the presentation of the dish.
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Breadcrumbs and Parmesan
The breadcrumbs in eggplant parmesan are used to coat the eggplant slices and give them a nice crust. Homemade breadcrumbs are preferred by some as they give a better texture and taste, and allow you to use any bread you like. To make your own, toast slices of bread and then blend them in a food processor until they reach the consistency of crumbs.
If you are short on time, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free bread or cracker. To elevate the flavour of the breadcrumbs, mix them with garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and shredded parmesan cheese.
Parmigiano Reggiano is the key ingredient for flavour in eggplant parmesan. It is used to flavour the breadcrumb mixture and is sprinkled throughout the dish. Freshly grate the parmesan for the best flavour. For a more intense flavour, use pecorino cheese.
To prepare the eggplant, slice it into 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices and sprinkle with salt. Let the slices sit for at least 10 minutes to "sweat" and remove excess moisture. Pat the slices dry with paper towels. Dip the eggplant slices into beaten egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated slices on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the oven until golden brown.
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Layering the cheese
Firstly, it is important to choose the right cheese. Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano is the key ingredient for flavour. It can be combined with pecorino cheese for extra depth. For the best melting results, opt for fresh mozzarella slices rather than pre-shredded cheese.
Next, it is important to layer the ingredients strategically to prevent sogginess. Start by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This can be a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce, or a homemade sauce made with crushed tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Then, add a layer of eggplant slices, followed by more sauce, and a layer of mozzarella slices. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella, and repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of cheese.
Finally, bake the eggplant parmesan until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra browning, place the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes to get a golden, crispy cheese topping.
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Other ingredients
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that combines crispy, breaded eggplant slices with layers of rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and herbs. While the specific ingredients and preparation methods may vary, here are some common and additional ingredients used in making this delicious dish:
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are essential for creating a crispy crust on the eggplant slices. Homemade breadcrumbs made from toasting and processing bread slices are preferred for the best texture and taste. These breadcrumbs are then seasoned with ingredients such as garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also call for adding shredded Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour.
Marinara Sauce
A good-quality marinara sauce is key to the success of Eggplant Parmesan. You can make your own by simmering crushed tomatoes with herbs like oregano and thyme, or use a store-bought option like San Marzano tomato sauce or Rao's marinara sauce. The sauce provides moisture and a rich tomato flavour to the dish.
Herbs and Spices
In addition to the herbs used in the marinara sauce, fresh herbs like basil are commonly used as a garnish or topping. They add a burst of freshness to the dish. Other herbs and spices used include Italian herbs, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, which enhance the overall flavour profile.
Eggs
Eggs are used as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs. The eggplant slices are typically dipped in beaten eggs before being coated with breadcrumbs. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the eggplant and creates a crispy texture when baked or fried.
Olive Oil
A drizzle of olive oil on the breaded eggplant slices before baking is essential for achieving a golden brown and crisp exterior. It enhances the flavour and ensures the breadcrumbs don't dry out during the cooking process.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, such as béchamel sauce for a creamy layer, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheeses to use are freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, mozzarella, and pecorino cheese.
It is better to use fresh cheese as it will melt better than pre-shredded cheese.
Start with a layer of marinara sauce, followed by eggplant slices, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing with any remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Yes, you can use provolone cheese and add a creamy layer of béchamel sauce to balance the acidity of the marinara sauce. You can also add shredded parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture.
