Sesame Eggplant Parmesan(Meatless Recipe)
A flavorful meatless eggplant dish layered with sesame, Parmesan, mozzarella, and seasoned tomato sauce, baked to perfection — perfect for vegetarians and those craving hearty, wholesome flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced 1/2-inch thick ⓘ
- oil as needed ⓘ
- 2 cups canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup sesame seed or meal ⓘ
- 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced thin ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked brown rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute eggplant slices in oil over high heat until browned slightly; drain on towels and set aside.
- Combine canned tomatoes, salt, chopped parsley, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, rosemary, crushed garlic, grated onion, grated green pepper, and grated carrot in a skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf from the tomato sauce.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and sesame seed or meal to the sauce and blend well.
- Place a layer of eggplant slices in an oiled, shallow 2-quart dish.
- Cover with half of the tomato sauce and half of the sliced mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering with remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and begins to brown.
- Serve over cooked brown rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce. If you don't have sesame seeds, breadcrumbs can be a great alternative for a similar texture. For a healthier option, try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also layer in some sautéed mushrooms for added depth. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a quick weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sesame Eggplant Parmesan over cooked brown rice for a wholesome meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Roasted Red Pepper And Eggplant Dip With Pita Wedges for a delightful appetizer spread. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the dish well, balancing the richness of the cheese. For added freshness, sprinkle some extra parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the cheese. Avoid freezing, as the eggplant may become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Eggplant Parmesan(Meatless Recipe) contains roughly 927 calories, with 33g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (269% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2206mg per serving (96% 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 type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with another cheese such as provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the melting properties will vary, so choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply replace the Parmesan and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for the Parmesan flavor. You can also omit the cheese altogether and add more vegetables for a hearty dish.
What can I serve as a side dish?
A light green salad with a citrus dressing pairs well with this dish, providing a refreshing contrast. Additionally, crusty bread or garlic bread can be served on the side to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
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).