Anyone that loves the flavor of fried breaded eggplant and dishes containing Italian tomato sauce infused with spices and dishes topped with layers of mozzarella cheese will love easy eggplant parmesan. Many restaurants that serve Italian food offer eggplant parmesan, but nothing tops homemade varieties that are fried crisp and baked between layers of parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Although it can be somewhat time-consuming it really is very easy to make this tasty parmesan dish, and the following easy recipe ideas will help you get started on creating a new main course favorite along with complimentary side dishes.
Necessary Ingredients and Supplies to Make Eggplant Parmesan
To make easy eggplant parmesan you will need a regular size can or jar of spaghetti sauce in a brand and variety of your choice, two cups of Italian bread crumbs, one-quarter cup of grated parmesan cheese, one cup of complete pancake flour, three large eggs, two tablespoons of milk, three cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, an Italian seasoning blend, and enough eggplant to make two layers of parmesan breaded slices in a 10 x 13-inch baking pan. You will also need cooking spray, a non-stick or cast iron frying pan, paper plates, paper towels, and oil for frying.
Method of Preparation
Begin this easy eggplant parmesan dish by scrambling three eggs in a large shallow bowl along with two tablespoons of milk while the oil is heating in a skillet. Next, combine the pancake flour, Italian breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese on a paper plate. Add a drop of water to the oil to determine if it is hot enough to begin frying the breaded eggplant slices. If it is hot enough, the drop of water should sizzle and evaporate within seconds.
Slice the washed eggplant with the skin on. It should be approximately one-quarter inch thick. Dip the eggplant slices in the scrambled egg, and thoroughly coat them with the parmesan breading mixture. Fry the eggplant until it is crisp and brown on each side, and allow it to drain on paper towels until the entire batch is breaded and fried.
Once two layers of eggplant have been fried, spray the baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with the first layer of eggplant to create the parmesan dish. Top the first layer with half of the spaghetti sauce. Top the sauce with half of the mozzarella cheese. Continue this process to create another layer that ends with the cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated parmesan on top, and bake this delicious parmesan dish in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until the cheese begins to bubble and lightly brown around the edges. Allow it to sit about ten minutes before cutting and serving. The eggplant inside the crisp parmesan breading will be soft and flavorful.
Side Dish Suggestions for Easy Eggplant Parmesan
Consider serving this easy eggplant parmesan dish with fresh cooked spinach that has been drained and seasoned with a dash of sea salt and genuine butter. Green beans mixed with crisp bacon bits also taste great with this easy gourmet meal. Whatever side dish you choose, the main course is sure to become a favorite of family and friends, and the amazing texture and flavor is worth the time it takes to fry the parmesan breaded slices of eggplant.
