Eggplant Parmesan I

Ingredients and Weight:

• Eggplant: 500 grams (1 pound)
• Spaghetti sauce: 1 jar (250 grams or 8.8 oz)
• Mozzarella cheese: 200 grams (7 oz)
• Parmesan cheese: 50 grams (1.7 oz)
• Italian breadcrumbs: 50 grams (1.7 oz)
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 75 minutes

Difficulty Level:

[Level 3] - Moderate. Requires slicing and frying eggplant, but no complex cooking techniques.

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
3. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Fry the eggplant slices in vegetable oil until tender and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5. Arrange the fried eggplant slices in a baking dish.
6. Spread the spaghetti sauce evenly over the eggplant.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese.
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
10. Serve hot with a side of your choice (such as pasta or salad).

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: Approx. 350 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 20g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich in flavor, with a combination of sweet, salty, and savory tastes.
• The eggplant is cooked to perfection, giving it a tender and creamy texture.
• The dish is a perfect balance of vegetables and cheese, making it both hearty and healthy.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The eggplant was cooked to perfection and the flavors were spot on." - John Doe
2. "I loved the combination of flavors in this dish. The breadcrumb topping added a nice crunch." - Jane Smith
3. "This is a great dish for a family gathering. Everyone loved it!" - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to fry the eggplant slices until they are tender and golden brown to ensure a good texture and flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you like it spicy, add a bit more garlic powder or chili flakes.
• Use fresh ingredients to make this dish as fresh as possible, especially the spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese.