Melanzane Alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmigiana)

Serves: 4

Lelia Marks

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

45

Spice

37

Sweetness

58

Sourness

35

mins

Prep time (avg)

6.1

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1 cup

Olive Oil

1

Salt

Directions:

1

For the red sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan

2

Add the garlic and onions and saute until tender, 5 minutes

3

Add the tomatoes, red pepper flakes and some salt and black pepper and simmer for 20 minutes

4

Tear the basil leaves and stir into the sauce at the end of simmering

5

For the eggplant parmigiana: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F

6

Pour 2 inches of olive oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or high-sided skillet and heat to 360 degrees F

7

Pour the flour into a wide casserole dish

8

Whisk in salt and black pepper

9

Dredge the eggplant slices in the flour, and then fry them in the hot oil in batches

10

When they are browned, remove them from the oil and lay them on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet

11

Repeat as necessary

12

Let cool

13

Start layering your ingredients in individual gratin dishes or in 2 disposable trays if making family-style servings: a few slices of fried eggplant, a small spoonful of red sauce, a couple of handfuls of mozzarella, a couple of tablespoons of Parmesan, a few leaves of basil

14

Repeat the layering 2 to 3 times (3 is better if your dish can accommodate it)

15

For the top layer, finish with a final spoonful of red sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan

16

Bake until bubbly and golden on top, 25 to 30 minutes

17

Reserve any remaining red sauce for another use

18

Serve garnished with a few leaves of basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a touch of extra-virgin olive oil

19

Buon Appetito!