I love Italian food and not just because of my Italian heritage. I just love the simple way fresh flavors come together to make something utterly scrumptious. One of my favorite Italian dishes to make is Eggplant Parm because it is a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies. Here, I will share with you my easy Italian eggplant parmesan recipe that is always a hit a my house.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bertolli®. The opinions and recipe are all mine.
Are you looking for Italian eggplant recipes and wondering, “Is eggplant parmesan Italian?” Yes, it is Italian. In America, it is often called Eggplant parm but in Italy, it is called eggplant parmigiana or melanzane alla parmigiana. Many people say it originated in Parma while others say Sicily. This dish is famous for the flavorful marina and cheese that cover the fried eggplant slices. Let’s dig in!
Taste of Italy Event At Kroger
What got me in the mood for eggplant parm was when I found out about Bertolli taking part in the Kroger sponsored ‘Taste of Italy’ program in stores from September 23rd through October 11th. I went on over to my Kroger to have a look and they had a nice big display that made me want to buy all things Italian. They have everything from pasta bowls to Italian sodas.
I chose Bertolli® olive oil to fry my eggplant and the Bertolli Tuscan-inspired sauce to dress up my pappardelle pasta (a broad flat pasta that is popular in Tuscany). I love using the Bertolli® Tomato & Basil Sauce because it is a great base that makes this meal come together faster and still with great flavor. If you want to check out all the Bertolli products and get more recipe inspiration, visit bertolli.com
I got a little carried away with the Taste of Italy® theme and got some beautiful pasta bowls and a new Italian themed kitchen towel. I just figured while we are enjoying our Tuscan-inspired meal, I might as well go all out. Eggplant parm is such a comfort food and it is a great dish to enjoy in the fall that satisfies the craving for a rich, flavorful meal without being too heavy.
Easy Italian Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
serves 4
Ingredients:
- 4 small Italian eggplants
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup Bertolli® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 grated parmesan cheese
- Bertolli® Tomato & Basil Sauce
- 1 bag of pappardelle pasta (or your favorite pasta)
How To Make Eggplant Parmesan:
Place a pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. While the water is coming to a boil, I pan fry my eggplant.
Prepare your flour mixture by mixing flour, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, beat eggs until well mixed.
Slice top and bottom off all eggplants and peel. Then cut eggplant into 1/2 inch slices or thick rounds.
While the olive oil is heating up in the pan over medium-high heat, go ahead and dip your eggplant slices in the egg mixture and then into the flour mixture coating evenly. When the oil is hot (a drop of water will sizzle), add your floured eggplant slices and allow to brown nicely on both sides. It takes about 2-3 minutes on each side and the eggplant will feel tender when you pull it out with a fork. The cooked slices should be a golden brown.
Remove fried eggplant from pan and place in a single layer on top oft a paper bag or layers of paper towels. The paper works to absorb excess oil.
When pasta is al dente, drain and pour back in the pot with enough of the Bertolli® Tomato & Basil Sauce to coat the noodles well.
Place the fried, crispy eggplant slices onto a sheet pan. Then sprinkle the layer of eggplant slices with shredded mozzarella. Place in the oven under Broil for about 2-3 minutes until melted and lightly browned.
Serve fried eggplant over a bed of pasta. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese and enjoy! You can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and or red pepper flakes, if you like. This is a great recipe for Italian Eggplant Parmesan that the whole family will love.
Printable Recipe Card For Eggplant Parm
Eggplant Parm Recipe
Delicious and easy eggplant parm. Pan fried eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan combine for the perfect comfort dish over pasta.
Ingredients
- 4 small Italian eggplants
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 grated parmesan
- Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce
- 1 bag of pappardelle pasta
Instructions
- Place a pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
- While the water is coming to a boil, prepare flour mixture by mixing flour, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, beat eggs until well mixed.
- Slice top and bottom off eggplants and peel. Then cut eggplant into 1/2 inch slices.
- While the olive oil is heating up in a pan over medium-high heat, go ahead and dip your eggplants in the egg wash and then into the flour mixture coating evenly.
- When the oil is hot (a drop of water will sizzle), add your floured eggplant slices and allow to brown nicely on both sides. It takes about 2-3 minutes on each side and if the eggplant is done, it will feel tender when you pull it out with a fork.
- Remove fried eggplant from pan to a paper bag or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- When pasta is al dente, drain and pour back in the pot with enough of the sauce to coat the noodles well.
- Place the fried eggplant slices onto a cookie sheet and sprinkle mozzarella over them. Then, place in the oven under broil for about 2-3 minutes until melted and lightly browned.
- Serve pasta as a bed for the fried eggplant. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the whole dish and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Eggplant Parm Recipe
Serves: 4
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 cup
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 611.51 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 34.46 g | 52.3% | |
| Saturated Fat 11.11 g | 55% | |
| Trans Fat 0.01 g | ||
| Cholesterol 125.42 mg | 41.7% | |
| Sodium 1572.68 mg | 65.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 56.84 g | 18.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 18.22 g | 72% | |
| Sugars 20.23 g | ||
| Protein 24.42 g | ||
| Vitamin A 16.32 % | Vitamin C 14.15 % | |
| Calcium 40.49 % | Iron 23.34 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
Conclusion
What does eggplant parmesan taste like? Like heaven to me! Eggplant Parmesan has a rich, savory taste with a satisfying combination of textures. The eggplant itself, when properly cooked, has a tender and slightly creamy consistency with a mild flavor that absorbs the flavors of the dish. The breading adds a crispy exterior, which contrasts nicely with the softness of the eggplant. The tomato sauce brings a tangy sweetness, while the melted cheese on top adds a creamy, salty richness. Together, these elements create a comforting, hearty dish that’s full of flavor.
I hope you enjoy this classic Italian dish. Bertolli spaghetti sauce sauce saves you a lot of work makes dinner so much easier!
Are you inspired to visit Kroger’s Taste of Italy® to create your own twist on an Italian meal? Have you ever made eggplant parm before? Do you think you will try this easy eggplant parmesan recipe? Share your thoughts and pictures at #familyfocusblog
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