Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Basil and Smoked Mozzarella

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 3
Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Basil and Smoked Mozzarella – a mouth-watering Italian-style dish
in Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

65 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 large unpeeled purple eggplant , trimmed and cut into 1/8-inch thick slices
1 teaspoon fine sea salt , or as needed
2 eggs
1 tablespoon whole milk
1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs , or more as needed
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil , or as needed
1 bunch fresh basil , coarsely chopped
1 package smoked mozzarella cheese , very thinly sliced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
695
Sugar
8g
Fat
54g
Eggplant Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in Southern Italy. The dish is made of thinly sliced eggplant that is breaded, fried, and then baked with tomato sauce and cheese. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that warms the soul and satisfies hunger. Eggplant Parmesan is often served with spaghetti or garlic bread and is a favorite among vegetarians, pasta lovers, and cheese enthusiasts. With this recipe, you can make a restaurant-worthy eggplant Parmesan dish at home that will impress your guests and make you look like a culinary genius. Enjoy!

Instructions

1.Sprinkle both sides of eggplant slices with sea salt, and let sit for about 1 hour until they release some of their liquid. Rinse and pat the eggplant dry with paper towels.
2.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3.Beat eggs and whole milk together in a bowl. Put bread crumbs in a separate bowl.
4.Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture, then in bread crumbs to coat. Repeat dipping in egg mixture and then in bread crumbs to double coat.
5.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6.Fry a few eggplant slices in hot oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat frying remaining eggplant slices, adding more oil as needed.
7.In a baking dish, layer fried eggplant slices, chopped basil, and smoked mozzarella. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
8.Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly and eggplant is tender, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

PROS

Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious, hearty and comforting Italian classic that will leave you satisfied and happy.
This recipe includes fresh basil, smoked mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan, which makes it even more flavorful and tasty.
It’s a great vegetarian option for dinner or lunch, is easy to make, and is perfect for leftovers.

CONS

One of the downsides of this dish is that it can be heavy and high in calories due to the breaded and fried eggplant and the cheese.
Portion control is therefore important.
Also, it can be time-consuming to prepare, especially if you are new to cooking.
However, once you get the hang of it, it becomes easier and quicker to make.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite being high in calories and fat, eggplant Parmesan has some health benefits. Eggplants are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that help reduce inflammation and promote good digestion. Fresh basil contains powerful antioxidants and antibacterial properties that support the immune system, boost eye health, and reduce inflammation. Smoked mozzarella may be high in sodium and calories, but it contains healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins that enhance bone strength, lower blood pressure, and improve metabolism. Overall, eggplant Parmesan can be part of a healthy diet that emphasizes moderation and variety.

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