Melanzane alla Parmigiana
A classic Italian layered eggplant bake featuring tender fried eggplant slices, rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and savory Parmigiano Reggiano, baked until golden and bubbling. This dish is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 large (about 1.5 kg total) Eggplants
- as needed Kosher salt
- as needed Olive oil
- 700 ml Tomato sauce
- 300 g Fresh mozzarella
- 100 g Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1 large bunch Fresh basil leaves
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the eggplant: Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on baking sheets or clean kitchen towels. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt on both sides. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture and any potential bitterness.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
Rinse and dry the eggplant: After resting, rinse the eggplant slices thoroughly under cold running water to remove the salt. Pat them completely dry with paper towels or clean kitchen towels. Ensure they are very dry to prevent oil splatter during frying.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Fry the eggplant: Heat about 1-2 cm of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (test with a small piece of eggplant; it should sizzle immediately), fry the eggplant slices in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and tender. Transfer the fried slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 4
Preheat the oven: While the eggplant is frying or draining, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Assemble the Parmigiana: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish (approximately 20x30 cm or equivalent). Arrange a single layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce, slightly overlapping them. Top the eggplant with a layer of tomato sauce, followed by slices of mozzarella, a scattering of fresh basil leaves, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Repeat the layering process: eggplant, sauce, mozzarella, basil, Parmigiano, until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce, mozzarella, and a final dusting of Parmigiano.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Bake the Parmigiana: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil (this prevents the top from browning too quickly). Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is simmering around the edges.
⏱️ 40-50 minutes - 7
Rest and serve: Let the Melanzane alla Parmigiana rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut. Serve warm.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Salting the eggplant is crucial for drawing out moisture and any potential bitterness, resulting in a better texture.
- ✓Ensure eggplant slices are thoroughly dried after rinsing to prevent excessive oil splatter and achieve crispier results.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches for even cooking and browning.
- ✓Allowing the dish to rest before serving is essential for the layers to firm up, preventing it from becoming too soupy when cut.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a lighter version, bake or grill the eggplant slices instead of frying them.
- Add a layer of béchamel sauce for extra creaminess.
- Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the layers.
- Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or ricotta salata for added flavor complexity.