Eggplant Parmesan: Choosing The Perfect Cheesy Combo

Eggplant Parmesan is a vegetarian dish that is similar to lasagna, but with slices of eggplant instead of noodles. The eggplant is sliced, coated in breadcrumbs and fried or baked, and then layered with cheese and tomato sauce. The cheese used in eggplant Parmesan is a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan, which offers a balance between creamy richness and a sharp savoury bite.

Mozzarella

The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese offers a balance between creamy richness and a sharp savoury bite. The mozzarella adds a layer of creaminess and melts beautifully, complementing the other textures and flavours in the dish.

When preparing the dish, it is important to note that the eggplant slices should be cut to a consistent thickness to ensure even melting and browning of the mozzarella. Additionally, fresh cheese is preferred over pre-shredded cheese for better melting and browning.

Parmesan

Secondly, Parmesan is used as part of the cheese layer in the assembled dish. The baked or fried eggplant slices are layered in a baking dish with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and browned.

The combination of Parmesan and breadcrumbs adds a crispy, flavourful coating to the eggplant, while the Parmesan in the cheese layer adds depth of flavour to the dish. It is important to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.

Béchamel sauce

To make the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk until smooth, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 2 minutes). Finally, stir in grated Parmigiano Reggiano, salt, and pepper.

For a more detailed explanation of how to make béchamel sauce, see the step-by-step instructions below:

Step-by-Step Instructions for Béchamel Sauce:

Step 1: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2: Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Whisk in milk until smooth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened. This should take around 2 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in grated Parmigiano Reggiano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Marinara sauce

Preparing the marinara sauce from scratch typically involves heating oil in a pan and sauteing onions and garlic until tender. Crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and various herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano, and salt and pepper are then added and cooked for several minutes. Some recipes also include cheese in the sauce, such as grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano. The sauce is allowed to simmer for about 10 minutes, and then set aside until ready to assemble the eggplant parmesan.

When assembling the eggplant parmesan, the marinara sauce is layered with the fried or baked eggplant slices, along with cheese, to create a casserole-like dish. The amount of sauce used can vary, but it is generally spread on the bottom of the baking dish and layered between the eggplant slices, with the top layer of eggplant left exposed to create crispy edges. The dish is then baked until bubbling and golden brown.

The marinara sauce not only adds flavour to the eggplant parmesan but also helps to prevent the dish from drying out during baking. It is an essential component that ties all the ingredients together, creating a delicious and comforting meal.

Breadcrumbs

Types of Breadcrumbs

The type of breadcrumbs used can vary. Some recipes call for Italian-style or seasoned breadcrumbs, while others suggest making your own homemade breadcrumbs. Homemade breadcrumbs allow you to use any type of bread you like, such as healthier grain bread, white bread, gluten-free bread, or Ezekiel bread. To make homemade breadcrumbs, simply toast slices of bread and then chop them in a food processor until they reach the desired consistency.

Coating the Eggplant

To coat the eggplant slices with breadcrumbs, you'll typically need to set up a breading station with three separate bowls. The first bowl contains flour, which is used to coat the eggplant slices on both sides. The second bowl contains beaten eggs or an egg-milk mixture, which helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the eggplant. The third bowl contains the breadcrumbs, which are mixed with seasonings such as garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. The eggplant slices are dipped in the egg mixture and then coated with the seasoned breadcrumbs.

Baking or Frying

Once the eggplant slices are coated with breadcrumbs, they can be baked or fried. Baking requires less oil and results in a lighter and healthier dish. To bake the eggplant, arrange the slices on a baking sheet brushed with olive oil and bake at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Frying the eggplant involves browning the slices in a skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Layering and Baking

After baking or frying the eggplant slices, it's time to assemble the dish. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara or spaghetti sauce on the bottom. Then, add a layer of eggplant slices, followed by mozzarella cheese and more sauce. Repeat these layers, ending with a final layer of cheese. Sprinkle basil on top and bake in the oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and browned.

Frequently asked questions