Are you looking for a delicious and easy to make Italian dish to prepare at home? Look no further than aubergine Parmigiana. This comforting and decadent dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner with friends and family to a special celebration. Aubergine Parmigiana, also known as melanzane alla parmigiana, is a delicious, hearty vegetable bake that can serve as a main course or a side dish. This classic recipe is made with layers of aubergine, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes bread crumbs.
What you need to make aubergine Parmigiana
The beauty of aubergine Parmigiana is that it doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. Most of the items you’ll need for this dish can be found in your pantry, and the rest can easily be picked up at the store. To make this delicious dish, you’ll need:
- 2 large aubergine
- 2 cups of tomato passata (you can also use canned chopped tomatoes)
- 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, grated
- 2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Bread crumbs (optional)
- Olive oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to make aubergine Parmigiana
Making aubergine Parmigiana may seem like a lot of steps at first, but it is actually quite easy. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, wash your aubergines and pat them dry. Slice them into rounds that are about ¼-inch thick. Place the aubergine rounds in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let the aubergine sit for about 30 minutes to release some their natural moisture, then rinse and pat them dry.
Next, you’ll want to make the simple tomato sauce. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the tomato passata and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
While the tomato sauce simmers, heat a few more tablespoons of olive oil in a large grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, grill the aubergine rounds until they are lightly golden brown on both sides. You’ll want to grill the aubergine in batches, as the pan should only hold one layer at a time. Once all of the aubergine slices have been grilled, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Putting it all together
Now it’s time to assemble your aubergine Parmigiana. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a little bit of olive oil. Place a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of aubergine slices. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the aubergine. Repeat this process until you have used all of the ingredients, making sure to end with a layer of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. If desired, you can also sprinkle a few tablespoons of bread crumbs on top of the cheese to add a little bit of crunch.
Once your aubergine Parmigiana has been assembled, bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to complete the dish. Enjoy!
Aubergine Parmigiana: A classic Italian dish
Aubergine Parmigiana is a traditional Italian dish that’s full of flavor and texture. It’s a perfect choice for any time of the year, as it can be made with seasonal ingredients. This simple recipe is both delicious and easy to make, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, next time you’re looking for a tasty and comforting dish to serve, give aubergine Parmigiana a try. Your friends and family are sure to love it!
