Parmigiana di Melanzane is one of the many classic dishes of Italian cuisine. This minimalist dish consisting of eggplant, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs has won the hearts of culinary enthusiasts from around the world. Let’s dive into the recipe for this delicious eggplant bake!
Ingredients
- 800 g canned peeled tomatoes
- 2 eggplants
- 200 g mozzarella
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 30 ml olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 4 g salt
- 1 g black pepper
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Crush the garlic with a knife, then peel and finely chop it. Chop the basil. Wash the eggplants, then cut them lengthwise into slices about 1-1.5 cm thick. Arrange the eggplant slices on a plate and sprinkle generously with salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out the bitterness. After the time has passed, rinse and dry them.
Step 2: Fry the Eggplant Heat olive oil (about 10 ml) in a pan and fry the eggplant slices on both sides until they turn golden brown. Fry until the eggplant develops a golden color, then remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step 3: Fry the Remaining Ingredients On medium heat and with the remaining olive oil, sauté the garlic, then add the tomatoes. Cook for 10 minutes. Add pepper, salt, and basil, then mix everything. Cook for another 20 minutes until most of the water from the tomatoes evaporates, leaving a thick sauce.
Step 4: Slice the Mozzarella Slice the mozzarella into thin slices.
Step 5: Arrange the Ingredients in a Dish Spoon some tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, then layer the eggplant slices on top. Cover the eggplant with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the process until you fill the entire dish. It’s essential that the top layer ends with cheese, topped with a slightly thicker layer.
Step 6: Bake the Dish Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. The cheese should melt and lightly brown. Remove the finished dish from the oven and let it cool. After about 5-6 minutes, slice it and transfer it to plates. Enjoy your meal!
