Easy Eggplant Parmesan

Effortless indulgence! This eggplant parm is pure comfort food magic. ✨🍆🧀😋

1. Before You Begin:

Easy Eggplant Parmesan is a simplified take on the classic Italian dish, offering layers of tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's easier to prepare than you might think!

2. Required Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 jar pasta sauce
• 1 1/2 pounds eggplant, sliced
• 2 cups bag of Italian Style Cheese
• 1 cup basil leaves, chopped

3. How to Cook:

Begin by slicing the eggplant and lightly salting it to draw out excess moisture. Then, layer the eggplant slices in a baking dish with tomato sauce and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest slightly before serving.

Step 1: Prepare the eggplant

Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet. Generously brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Broil the eggplant

Position the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil the eggplant slices until they become soft and slightly browned. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.

Step 3: Cool the eggplant

Remove the baking sheet from the broiler. Allow the broiled eggplant slices to cool down completely before handling them further.

Step 4: Heat the sauce

Pour the tomato sauce into a small saucepan. Gently heat the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through.

Step 5: Sauté onion and garlic

Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine sauce and aromatics

Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the warmed tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors and create a cohesive sauce.

Step 7: Layer the eggplant bake

Arrange a layer of eggplant slices on the bottom of a baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of cheese over the eggplant. Repeat the layers of eggplant and cheese until all the eggplant is used. Finish with a layer of sauce, fresh basil leaves, and remaining cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake the dish

Bake the eggplant dish in a preheated oven for 40 minutes at 190 degrees Celsius. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the eggplant tender.

Step 9: Fry the Eggplant (Optional)

As an alternative, fry the eggplant slices in olive oil until golden brown. Place the fried eggplant on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve the Easy Eggplant Parmesan hot, as a main course or a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty bread. A glass of Chianti or other dry red wine complements the flavors perfectly.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 4 servings, Calories: 288kcal, Protein: 21g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 26g, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 16g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 1201mg

6. To Wrap Up:

Easy Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of Italy to your home. Enjoy and share this recipe with your friends!