Eggplant Parmesan for Two

This Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a delightful Italian dish that features layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

The preparation is simple, and the dish can be made in about an hour. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, adding more cheese or herbs as desired.

Preparing the Eggplant

Begin your culinary journey by preparing the eggplant. Start by slicing a medium eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds. This thickness ensures that the eggplant cooks evenly and achieves that perfect texture.

Next, sprinkle the slices with salt and allow them to sit for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as it draws out excess moisture, resulting in a firmer and less watery dish.

After the time has passed, rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This process will help enhance the flavor and texture of your eggplant.

Setting Up the Breading Station

To create that delightful crispy coating, set up a breading station with three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place all-purpose flour. The second bowl should contain a beaten egg, while the third bowl is for breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

This organized setup allows for a smooth breading process, ensuring each slice of eggplant is evenly coated. The combination of flavors in the breadcrumbs adds an extra layer of taste to the dish.

Breading and Frying the Eggplant

Now it’s time to bread the eggplant slices. Dip each slice first into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, then into the beaten egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the eggplant to achieve a thick, even coating.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded eggplant slices. Fry them until they are golden brown on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Assembling the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking. In a rustic ceramic baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. This will prevent the eggplant from sticking and add flavor.

Layer half of the fried eggplant slices over the sauce, followed by half of the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat the layers for a hearty dish that showcases the flavors beautifully.

Baking to Perfection

Cover the assembled dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. After this initial baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.

This final step is crucial for achieving that bubbly, golden cheese topping that makes eggplant parmesan so irresistible. Once done, let the dish cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete dining experience, serve your eggplant parmesan hot alongside a side of crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce, enhancing every bite.

Pair this delightful dish with a glass of red wine to complement the rich flavors. The combination of the savory eggplant, tangy sauce, and melted cheese creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

Delicious Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

This recipe serves two and includes crispy breaded eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. It takes about 50 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil for frying
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Set Up Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs mixed with oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice first in flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
4. Fry the Eggplant: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, then layer half of the fried eggplant, half of the marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 2 servings
• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g