Eggplant Gourmet Style
Gourmet eggplant dish featuring tender fried eggplant topped with rich tomato sauce and Parmesan, baked to perfection. Perfect for vegetable lovers and elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the eggplant into 8 lengthwise parts, leaving the skins on.
- Fry the eggplant parts in olive oil until they are brown and tender, about 10 minutes per part.
- Place the tomato sauce in a casserole dish.
- Add the fried eggplant to the casserole and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dot the dish with butter or margarine.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can use less oil or opt for an oil spray when frying the eggplant. If you want a creamier texture, consider adding ricotta cheese in addition to the Parmesan. To reduce bitterness, salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes before frying, then rinse and pat dry. This recipe could also be easily adapted with other Mediterranean recipes like Spicy Hot Eggplant Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Eggplant Gourmet Style pairs beautifully with a fresh Mediterranean salad or garlic-roasted veggies for a complete meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. You can also complement it with a glass of Mediterranean Coffee for a delightful finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, but for the best texture, oven reheating is recommended.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggplant Gourmet Style contains roughly 367 calories, with 7g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. The flavor will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple side of rice or couscous, which absorbs the flavors of the tomato sauce. You could also serve it with a light yogurt sauce to complement the eggplant's richness.
How do I know when the eggplant is properly cooked?
The eggplant should be golden-brown and tender to the fork when fully cooked. If it's still firm, continue frying for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired softness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).