Tips, fun facts, and recipes from Chef Sandra Lewis of Life At The Table to help you answer the most important question of the day, "What's for dinner?".
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Tips, fun facts, and recipes from Chef Sandra Lewis of Life At The Table to help you answer the most important question of the day, "What's for dinner?".
Eggplant Parmigiana: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish
If you’ve ever fallen head over heels for the rich, cheesy layers of lasagna, then get ready to swoon over eggplant parmigiana.
This Italian classic swaps pasta for tender slices of eggplant turning this simple vegetable into a star.
Eggplant parmigiana packs flavor, comfort, and joy into every bite.
Let’s talk about why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table tonight.
Why Eggplant Is the Perfect Veggie Hero
Going plant-based or just cutting down on meat? Eggplant is a veggie hero.
It’s the perfect vegetable for people looking to swap out meat for a veggie.
Eggplant delivers the same firm, satisfying chew and bite as meat, but in a wholesome, unprocessed way.
And eggplant is the ultimate flavor sponge. Toss it with spices, herbs, or sauces and it will soak them right up, giving your dish a rich, complex flavor.
That beautiful purple eggplant skin is also nutritious thanks to anthocyanin, an antioxidant pigment. Anthocyanin helps neutralize free radicals in the body that are linked to chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer. And there are tons more health benefits, but that’s a story for another day.
Top 5 Tips for the Perfect Eggplant Parmigiana
Making eggplant parmigiana might sound fancy, but it’s super simple and easier than you may think.
Here are my Top 5 Tips for the Perfect Eggplant Parmigiana:
* Choose the Right Eggplant. Select firm, glossy eggplant with smooth skin and minimal blemishes.
* Salt the Eggplant. After slicing your eggplant, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes. This draws out extra moisture and bitterness, ensuring your eggplant turns out tender and tasty. Pat the eggplant dry after 30 minutes with paper towels. This removes the excess salt and moisture, and sets you up for perfect cooking.
* Bread and Fry for Crispy Goodness. For that crispy, golden edge, dredge your eggplant in flour, dip it in an egg wash, and coat it with panko breadcrumbs before frying. The panko breadcrumbs add an extra crunch that makes each bite irresistible.
* Make Your Own Tomato Sauce. Skip the store-bought stuff and easily whip up a fresh tomato sauce. Use canned tomatoes, a bit of onion, garlic, and fresh basil. It only takes 40 minutes to simmer.
* Choose the Best Cheese. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella; it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Eggplant Parmigiana is a Make It Ahead and Save Time Dish
One of the best things about eggplant parmigiana is how well it reheats. You can make the sauce and fry the eggplant a day ahead. Store them in the fridge separately then assemble it and bake it on the day you’re ready to eat.
Tips, fun facts, and recipes from Chef Sandra Lewis of Life At The Table to help you answer the most important question of the day, "What's for dinner?".
