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Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe

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Eggplant Parmigiana is a delightful Italian-American classic that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. This layered dish features roasted eggplant, savory tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings. With its warm and hearty nature, Eggplant Parmigiana can be served as a main course or a side dish, ensuring it pleases any crowd. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests while offering them a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.8 kg large eggplants, sliced 8mm thick
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (plus 2 tbsp for sauce)
  • 1 2/3 cups finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 600ml tomato passata
  • 400g crushed canned tomatoes
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp white sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fresh oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F) and line three trays with parchment paper.
  2. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil on both sides and place in a single layer on the trays.
  3. Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.
  4. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until soft; add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  5. Stir in passata, crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and water; simmer for about 30–40 minutes, adding basil stalks midway.
  6. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Reduce oven temperature to 180°C (350°F). Spread some sauce in a baking dish.
  8. Layer one-third of the baked eggplant slices over the sauce; top with sauce, parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. Repeat layers twice more.
  9. For the final layer, top remaining eggplant slices with sauce, drizzle olive oil, then add remaining parmesan and mozzarella.
  10. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
  11. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

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