Eggplant Parmesan with Basil is a classic Italian dish that combines crispy breaded eggplant slices with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese and fresh basil. This vegetarian delight is perfect for any occasion, offering a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients
For Prepping the Eggplant:
- 1 medium-sized eggplant, stem removed, sliced lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick planks, then cut widthwise in half
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
For the Garlicky Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Eggplant:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Breading Stations:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Eggplant Slices:
- Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Eggplant:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded eggplant slices and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to add more olive oil as needed. Once cooked, transfer the eggplant slices to the prepared baking sheet.
Preparing the Garlicky Tomato Sauce:
- Cook the Garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate the minced garlic into the pan, cooking it for approximately one minute until it releases its aromatic fragrance.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Add the diced tomatoes, cayenne, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for roughly 10-15 minutes, during which time it should begin to thicken modestly.
- Add the Fresh Basil:
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assembling and Baking the Eggplant Parmesan:
- Layer the Dish:
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the garlicky tomato sauce. Arrange a layer of the cooked eggplant slices over the sauce. Spoon more sauce over the eggplant, then repeat the layers until all the eggplant and sauce are used up, ending with a layer of sauce.
- Bake the Eggplant Parmesan:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, enhance the presentation by adding some extra fresh basil leaves as a garnish. Serve hot, accompanied by a side of pasta or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
Eggplant Parmesan with Basil is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of Italy to your table. The crispy breaded eggplant, combined with the garlicky tomato sauce and fresh basil, creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is sure to please. Enjoy this classic dish as a satisfying main course for any meal. Buon appetito!