Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 large eggplants, weight about 3 pounds (1.5 kg)
• 1 pound (500 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (60 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to season
• Basil leaves, for decoration

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants into rounds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
3. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and starts to brown.
5. In the meantime, prepare the tomato sauce by combining the tomato sauce with the basil leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Remove the eggplant from the oven and top each slice with a slice of mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
7. Pour the tomato sauce over the eggplant and mozzarella.
8. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 350 per serving (based on 8 servings)
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 20g (including 7g saturated fat)

Dish Characteristics:

• An American-style dish that combines the flavors of Italy, featuring layers of baked eggplant, fresh tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella.
• The dish is rich in flavor and texture, with a combination of soft, tender eggplant and creamy cheese.
• The dish is also visually appealing with its vibrant red tomato sauce and golden brown cheese topping.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
2. "I love the way the eggplant is cooked, it's so tender and juicy."
3. "The tomato sauce was very flavorful, and the parmesan cheese added a nice crunchy texture."
4. "This is a great dish for meat lovers and vegetarians alike."
5. "I will definitely make this again!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
• If you want to add more protein, you can add cooked ground meat (such as sausage or ground beef) to the tomato sauce.
• Ensure that the eggplant is cooked thoroughly to avoid any bitter taste.