Description
A warm and comforting dish featuring layers of fried eggplant, bubbling cheese, and rich tomato sauce that embodies the heart of Italian home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants, sliced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplants and sprinkle salt over the slices. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Create a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Coat each eggplant slice in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and roll in breadcrumbs.
- Fry the coated eggplant slices in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce, then layer fried eggplant, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Opt for smaller eggplants for better flavor, and consider adding layers of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for complexity.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg