Hello, fellow food lovers! It’s Mark Zoch from The Dinner Dude, and today I’m thrilled to share my latest culinary adventure with you. We’re going to explore the delightful world of the “Eggplant Parmigiana Tower”. This dish is a beautiful fusion of flavors and textures that takes comfort food to new heights.
Eggplant Parmigiana Tower Recipe
Eggplant Parmigiana Tower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 kg of eggplant
- 600 gr of tomato sauce
- 80 gr of grated parmesan
- 350 gr of mozzarella
- Flour to fry
- Fresh basil
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 onion
- Salt to taste
- Oil to fry
Instructions
- Cut the eggplant into 4 - 5 mm slices, place them in a colander with coarse salt and place a weight on it so that the bitter water of the vegetable comes out. Leave them like this for 30 - 60 minutes then rinse them under fresh water till the salt and the bitter water residue has gone away.
- Slice the onion finely, fry it with 4 to 5 tablespoon of oil, add the tomato sauce, a few leaves of basil and leave it to cook at low heat for about 20 minutes. Add salt and if the tomato is sour, correct by adding a half teaspoon of sugar.
- Cut the mozzarella into slices and let them lose water too.
- At this point take the eggplant, dab with absorbent paper, flour and fry them in hot oil, then always place them on absorbent paper.
- Take an ovenproof dish, start to spread a couple of ladles of tomato sauce and place the first layer of eggplant slices without leaving any spaces.
- Add parmesan cheese, a few leaves of chopped basil, mozzarella and salt.
- Repeat the process finishing with the eggplant, tomato sauce, a good sprinkling of parmesan and some basil leaves.
- Bake in a hot oven at 180°C for 30 - 40 minutes.
- To taste Parmigiana at best, let it cool down a little bit so that you can fully savor all flavors.
- You can serve Parimigiana as an appetizer cutting it with a pastry cutter, or as a main dish.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Cooking Methods for Eggplant Parmigiana Tower
Using a Griddle
A griddle is a fantastic tool for frying eggplant slices. Its large, flat surface allows for even heat distribution, ensuring your eggplant slices cook uniformly. Plus, flipping the slices on a griddle is a breeze! Just remember to keep the heat at medium to prevent them from burning.
The Magic of a Crepe Maker
If you’re a crepe enthusiast, investing in a crepe maker might be a good idea. These handy devices are designed specifically for making perfect, evenly cooked crepes every time. Plus, they often come with a spreader to help you achieve that thin, delicate texture we all love in crepes.
The Versatility of a Blender
When it comes to blending the tomato sauce, a blender can be your best friend. It ensures all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, resulting in a smooth, lump-free sauce. Just remember to let the sauce cool for a while after blending to allow the flavors to meld together.
Roasting in a Dutch Oven
Roasting eggplant in a Dutch oven can bring out their sweet, nutty flavor beautifully. The heavy lid traps the heat inside, allowing the eggplant to roast evenly. And the best part? You can do it right on your stovetop!
Steaming in a Bamboo Steamer
Steaming the eggplant in a bamboo steamer not only preserves its vibrant color but also retains more nutrients compared to boiling. Plus, it adds a subtle, earthy aroma to the eggplant that complements the flavors of the tomato sauce and cheese wonderfully.
Sauteing with a Wok
A wok is an excellent tool for sauteing the eggplant. Its high, sloping sides and small bottom allow for quick, even heating and easy tossing of the eggplant. Just remember to heat the wok before adding the oil to prevent the eggplant from sticking.
Tips for making Eggplant Parmigiana Tower
The Eggplant “Parmigiana” Tower is a true celebration of flavors. The eggplant’s subtle sweetness, the tangy tomato sauce, the creamy mozzarella, and the crispy breadcrumbs all come together to create a dish that’s truly more than the sum of its parts.
Cooking Tips
Before we delve into the process of creating this masterpiece, let’s go over some cooking tips that can make your experience smoother.
- Eggplant: When choosing eggplants, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size. Their skin should be smooth and shiny.
- Tomato Sauce: For the best flavor, use homemade tomato sauce. If you’re using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand with no added sugar.
- Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is the best choice for this dish. It melts beautifully and has a wonderful creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve created your Eggplant “Parmigiana” Tower, how should you serve it? Here are a few suggestions:
- Lunchtime Indulgence: This dish makes a fantastic lunch option. Serve it with a side of mixed greens for a balanced meal.
- Dinner Delight: Looking to impress your dinner guests? The Eggplant “Parmigiana” Tower is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, they make a great filling for sandwiches the next day.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish vegan? Absolutely! You can replace the mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative and use a vegan-friendly breadcrumb.
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Just make sure they melt well.
- Can I freeze the Eggplant “Parmigiana” Tower? Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
- How long does this dish last in the fridge? It should last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Can I use other vegetables instead of eggplant? Yes, you can. Zucchini or squash would be good alternatives.
Remember, cooking is all about creativity and having fun. So don’t be afraid to try new things. Enjoy your culinary journey!