Probably the Best Eggplant Parmigiana I’ve Ever Made – Rich & Delicious

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while maintaining a similar texture.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is more economical.

egg

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: aquafaba

Flaxseed meal is a plant-based alternative for binding.

Slice the eggplants diagonally into 1 cm thick slices.

Do not salt the eggplants to avoid drawing out moisture that can cause steaming.

Drizzle olive oil and oregano onto baking paper and place the eggplant slices on it.

Roast the eggplant slices in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 20 minutes.

For the sauce, finely chop onion and red pepper, then sauté them in olive oil until tender.

Crush 2 cloves of garlic and chop them finely, then add to the pan after the onion and pepper have softened for 2-3 minutes.

Add a tin of chopped tomatoes to the pan and cover to simmer for about 10 minutes, adding a pinch of oregano.

Grate parmesan cheese and slice fresh mozzarella and cooked ham for layering later.

Spread a third of the sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.

Layer the smaller eggplant slices first, filling gaps with halved slices.

Add a single layer of mozzarella and then the ham, overlapping it gently.

Press down lightly to compact the layers.

Add grated parmesan on top of the ham, then layer the more elegant eggplant slices on top.

Spread the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring it covers but doesn't drown the layers.

Return the dish to the oven for 20 minutes at 180°C (356°F).

Mix dry breadcrumbs with grated parmesan in the same pan used for the sauce.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture over the dish after it comes out of the oven.

Drizzle double cream over the breadcrumbs for added creaminess.

Return the dish to the oven for a final bake until the top is crispy and caramelized.

Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens