Veg Eggplant Parmesan (Italian recipe)
Here's a recipe for a classic Italian-style Veg Eggplant Parmesan:
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the sliced eggplants in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out any excess moisture.
- Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- In another shallow dish, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a third shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange the fried eggplant slices in a single layer on top of the sauce.
- Top the eggplant slices with more marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
- Repeat the layers until all the eggplant slices are used up.
- Bake the Veg Eggplant Parmesan in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the Veg Eggplant Parmesan hot, garnished with additional chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Veg Eggplant Parmesan!
Let me know in the comment box if you have any questions or suggestions.
Eggplant Parmesan Nutrition information
- Calories: 642 kcal
- Total Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
- Sodium: 1865 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Dietary Fiber: 9 g
- Sugar: 16 g
- Protein: 32 g
Health benefits of Eggplant Parmesan
⇒ Rich in Nutrients: Eggplants are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin C. The addition of tomato sauce provides additional vitamins and antioxidants, such as lycopene.
⇒ High in Antioxidants: The eggplant and tomato sauce combination in Eggplant Parmesan is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
⇒ Lowers Cholesterol: Eggplant is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
⇒ Supports Digestive Health: The fiber in Eggplant Parmesan helps improve digestion and bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation and other digestive problems.
⇒ Helps with Weight Management: Eggplant Parmesan is a low-calorie dish that can help keep you full for longer periods. This can aid in weight management by reducing the intake of calories and reducing the risk of overeating.
⇒ Vegetarian Protein Source: The combination of eggplant and cheese in Eggplant Parmesan provides a good amount of protein, making it a great vegetarian protein source.