San Perido Eggplant
A savory eggplant dish topped with melted Provolone cheese, fresh basil, and rich marinara, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal or appetizer with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim the skin off the eggplant and slice into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Liberally oil a cookie sheet with olive oil.
- Place eggplant slices on the prepared cookie sheet and bake in a 375°F oven for approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and top each eggplant round with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce.
- Return the cookie sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top each round with 1 or 2 fresh basil leaves and sliced Provolone cheese (approximately 1 ounce each).
- Turn off the oven.
- Return the cookie sheet to the oven until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the eggplant, consider salting the slices and letting them sit for 30 minutes before baking to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. If you don't have Provolone cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella or fontina for a similar melt. For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of Italian herbs to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
San Perido Eggplant is delicious served as a main dish or as an appetizer. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread, such as Plain Pizza Bread, to soak up the marinara sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Mamaw'S Italian Spaghetti for a comforting Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover San Perido Eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the eggplant in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain the texture and flavor, unlike microwaving, which can make it soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of San Perido Eggplant contains roughly 74 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (125% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 sauce instead of marinara?
Absolutely! While marinara is traditional, you can use pesto or a creamy Alfredo sauce for a unique flavor. Just be mindful that the consistency may change the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the eggplant as it bakes.
Is it necessary to peel the eggplant?
Peeling the eggplant is not necessary, but it can help reduce any bitterness and improve the texture. If you enjoy the taste and texture of the skin, feel free to leave it on. Just make sure to wash the eggplant thoroughly before slicing.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the eggplant slices and top them with sauce and cheese in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, bake them until heated through and the cheese is melted. This makes for an easy weeknight meal or a fun appetizer for gatherings.
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).