Homemade Eggplant Parmigiana 🍆🧀
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 cups of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 cloves of garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra Virgin organic Olive oil for frying
breadcrumbs to cover
Instructions:
1. Slice the eggplants into about 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt over both sides of each round and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess water and bitterness from the eggplants. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels afterwards.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until lightly browned on both sides. Place the fried eggplant on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. In a rectangular baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture on the bottom. Arrange a single layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce, slightly overlapping each other. Pour some more tomato sauce on top and sprinkle with a handful of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat the layering process until all the eggplant slices are used, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top. Make sure to reserve some cheese for the final sprinkle.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
7. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. If desired, switch the oven to broil for the last few minutes to achieve a more golden crust.
8. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil leaves for added freshness and flavor. Pair it with a side of crunchy garlic bread or a simple green salad.
9. Serve your delicious homemade eggplant parmigiana and enjoy!