Delightful Eggplant Parmesan: A Wholesome Classic

There’s something incredibly comforting about a well-made Eggplant Parmesan. This version is wholesome and made using only natural ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and nutritious. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this Eggplant Parmesan will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• Salt for sweating the eggplants
• 2 cups of whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups of marinara sauce (homemade or your preferred natural brand)
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• Olive oil for frying
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

1. Sweat the Eggplant
   Place the eggplant slices on a large baking sheet and sprinkle both sides lightly with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process helps draw out any bitterness and excess moisture from the eggplant.

2. Rinse and Dry
   After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they fry up correctly.

Step 2: Bread the Eggplant Slices

1. Set Up Breading Station
   Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper.

2. Bread the Eggplant
   Dip each eggplant slice first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each slice is evenly coated.

Step 3: Fry the Eggplant

1. Heat Oil
   Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Fry Until Golden
   Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Layer the Ingredients
   In a large baking dish, spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom. Layer the fried eggplant slices over the sauce. Sprinkle a portion of the remaining Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the eggplant.

3. Repeat Layers
   Repeat the layering process with the remaining eggplant slices, marinara sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake Mountain of Cheese and Flavor
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

2. Rest and Garnish
   Let the Eggplant Parmesan rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Cooking Summary

• Total Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 calories

This Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, with crispy yet tender eggplant and rich, gooey cheese enhanced by a robust marinara sauce. Serve it with a side of green salad or a slice of warm rustic bread for a truly fulfilling meal. Enjoy your homemade, healthy twist on this Italian classic!