Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Instructions
### Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Eggplant Parmesan is an iconic Italian recipe that features layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese. This grilled adaptation introduces a smoky essence and eliminates the requirement for frying, positioning it as a healthier choice. Below is a detailed guide to making Grilled Eggplant Parmesan.
#### Ingredients
– 2 large eggplants
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (ideally Italian seasoned)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Eggplant:**
– Cut the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
– Dust salt on both sides of the slices and allow them to rest for roughly 30 minutes. This step aids in extracting excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
2. **Preheat the Grill:**
– Heat your grill to medium-high (approximately 400°F or 200°C).
3. **Season the Eggplant:**
– Coat both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
4. **Grill the Eggplant:**
– Arrange the eggplant slices on the grill. Cook for around 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are soft and exhibit nice grill marks. Take off the grill and set apart.
5. **Prepare the Baking Dish:**
– Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a baking dish, spread a light layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
6. **Layer the Ingredients:**
– Position a layer of grilled eggplant slices over the sauce.
– Add a layer of breadcrumbs, followed by a layer of Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
– Continue layering until all components are used, concluding with a layer of marinara sauce and an ample topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. **Bake:**
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. **Garnish and Serve:**
– After baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil prior to serving.
#### Tips
– For enhanced flavor, consider blending some chopped garlic into the marinara sauce.
– Pair with a side salad or crusty bread for a well-rounded meal.
– Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful and fulfilling dish that highlights the flavors of summer grilling while preserving the comforting spirit of traditional Italian fare. Relish this dish as a main dish or as a complement for your upcoming gathering!
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