Ingredients and Weight:
- Eggplant, 1.5 lbs (700 g)
- Parmesan cheese, grated, 1 cup (120 g)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded, 1 cup (120 g)
- Marinara sauce, 1 jar (24 oz / 700 mL)
- Olive oil, 1/4 cup (60 mL)
- Onion, chopped, 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Garlic, minced, 2 cloves
- Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon (15 g)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Easy-Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut eggplant into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick slices. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread out on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until tender and starting to brown.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, layer the following in this order: eggplant slices, 1/2 of the marinara sauce, 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Protein: 20 g
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and flavorful
- Cheesy and gooey
- Perfect for a main course or as an appetizer
User Comments:
- "This is the best eggplant parmesan I've ever had! It's so easy to make and tastes incredible."
- "The layers of eggplant, marinara, and cheese are perfect. I love how gooey and cheesy it is."
- "I'm not usually a fan of eggplant, but this dish changed my mind. It's so delicious and satisfying."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use a large baking sheet to prevent the eggplant slices from overcrowding.
- If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
