How to Make Eggplant Parmigiana Olive Garden Vegan

Melanzana Alla Parmigiana (Perfect Eggplant Parmigiana)

Eggplant parmesan is one of those great italian comfort foods—a layered casserole much like lasagna but with slices of globe eggplant taking the place of pasta.

Recipe Summary Melanzana Alla Parmigiana (Perfect Eggplant Parmigiana)

This classic Italian dish from Sicily is often simply referred to as 'Parmigiana' by the Sicilian locals. The richness and depth of flavor that you get from this authentic version is well worth the extra effort. Serve eggplant Parmigiana with nothing more than crusty bread and a green salad.

Ingredients | Eggplant Parmigiana Olive Garden Vegan

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed

6 eggplants, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices

salt to taste

1 ⅓ cups crushed tomatoes in puree

1 tablespoon olive oil, or more to taste

2 cloves garlic

1 bunch fresh basil, divided

18 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and sliced

dried oregano, to taste

4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Heat about 1 inch extra-virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Pat eggplant slices dry with a paper towel and fry eggplant in batches in the hot oil until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer eggplant to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon; season with salt.

Combine tomato puree (passata), 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, salt, and 4 basil leaves in a saucepan; simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove garlic from sauce.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Place a layer of fried eggplant in the baking dish and cover with a layer of tomato sauce. Top with a layer of mozzarella cheese, oregano, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil leaves, in that order. Continue layering in the same order with remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and cheeses are melted, about 40 minutes. Let stand a few minutes before slicing.

Fresh mozzarella can be very soft so it might need to be drained before using. Too much water will soften the fried eggplant and produce too much water in the Parmigiana. You can replace fresh mozzarella with scamorza cheese, which is a bit drier but just as tasty.

To make ahead, prepare the Parmigiana up to 24 hours in advance and let it sit at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours or in the fridge for longer time. This way, the eggplant will have the time to soak in the sauce and you'll get a tastier Parmigiana.

Info | Eggplant Parmigiana Olive Garden Vegan

prep: 20 mins cook: 54 mins additional: 3 mins total: 1 hr 17 mins Servings: 6 Yield: 6 servings

TAG : Melanzana Alla Parmigiana (Perfect Eggplant Parmigiana)

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