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4 Mins delivery
Aubergine Parmigiana
Serves 4
85 mins
400 KcalAubergine Parmigiana is the main-character energy your dinner table deserves—cheesy, saucy, and dripping with Italian vibes. This classic dish is all about layers of flavor, literally, and it's proof that simple ingredients can still serve major drama. If you've been hunting for an aubergine parmigiana recipe that's equal parts comforting and fancy, buckle up, because this one delivers. These slices of goodness are salted to ditch the bitterness, then fried or grilled until they're golden and tender. Next comes the tomato sauce—rich, garlicky, and herby. Oh, we're not holding back. Think gooey mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and a sprinkle of basil for that perfection-like finish. Layer by glorious layer, this aubergine parmigiana recipe builds into a masterpiece. It bakes in the oven until the top is bubbly and golden, and the whole dish is a melty, flavorful explosion waiting to happen. It works as a main for your fancy dinner nights or as a side for when you want to flex a little harder. Serve this recipe of aubergine parmigiana with crusty bread to scoop up all that saucy goodness, or pair it with a crisp salad to balance the richness. Aubergine Parmigiana isn't just food; it's a vibe, a lifestyle, and a love letter to Italian cooking. Cheesy, hearty, and endlessly satisfying, it's everything your next meal needs and more.
Ingredients required for Aubergine Parmigiana
- 6 large aubergines
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 thyme
- 8 large sage
- 400 gms chopped tomatoes
- 3 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp basil leaves
- 100 gms vegetarian parmesan-style cheese
- 85 gms breadcrumbs
- 50 gms pine nut
- 250 gms mozzarella cheese
Cooking steps for Aubergine Parmigiana
- 1Aubergine Parmigiana is the ultimate comfort dish that takes humble aubergines and transforms them into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that's nothing short of iconic.
- 2This aubergine parmigiana recipe is your step-by-step guide to crafting this Italian classic.
- 3Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan, then toss in 3 crushed garlic cloves, 3 sprigs of thyme, and 8 finely chopped sage leaves.
- 4Let the herbs and garlic sizzle until your kitchen smells like a Tuscan dream.
- 5Add 4 x 400 gms cans of chopped tomatoes, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and 3 teaspoons of golden caster sugar, stirring it all together.
- 6Simmer for 30 minutes until it's thick, glossy, and packed with flavor.
- 7Season to taste, then set aside.
- 8Meanwhile, prepare your aubergines.
- 9Slice 6 large aubergines lengthways as thinly as you can, brushing each slice lightly with olive oil.
- 10Grill or roast the slices in batches until they're golden and tender but not mushy—they need to hold their own in the layers to come.
- 11For the ultimate crunch, mix 100 gms of finely grated vegetarian parmesan-style cheese with 85 gms of breadcrumbs and 50 gms of pine nuts in a bowl.
- 12This topping is where the magic happens.
- 13Now it's time to assemble.
- 14Spoon a little of the tomato sauce into the base of a baking dish, then layer up with grilled aubergine slices, more tomato sauce, torn chunks of vegetarian mozzarella (2 x 125g balls), and a scattering of fresh basil leaves.
- 15Repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of the breadcrumb mixture for that crispy, golden finish.
- 16Bake at 200 C (180 C fan) for about 30-40 minutes, or until it's bubbling and beautifully browned on top.
- 17This recipe of aubergine parmigiana is pure indulgence, perfect for dinner parties, cozy nights in, or impressing that one friend who's always talking about their trip to Italy.
- 18Serve it hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad, and prepare for the oohs and aahs—this dish is cheesy, herby perfection in every bite!
FAQs
What makes Aubergine Parmigiana a popular dish?
Popularly also known as Parmigiana di Melanzane, Aubergine Parmigiana is truly as fancy as it sounds. The traditional dish is prepared by layering slices of baked aubergines with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and is then baked until it turns bubbly and golden. Its appeal lies in the comforting combination of soft, flavorful aubergines, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese. It is popular because it's versatile, vegetarian-friendly, and can be served as a main course or side dish, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Can the recipe of Aubergine Parmigiana be prepared in advance?
Yes, Aubergine Parmigiana is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the layers of aubergines, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it for reheating later. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or hosting, as the flavors often deepen and meld together when allowed to rest.
Are there any variations of Aubergine Parmigiana?
While the traditional recipe uses aubergines, variations can include other vegetables like zucchini or adding ingredients like ricotta cheese for a creamier texture. For a lighter version, the aubergines can be grilled or baked instead of fried. Some recipes incorporate breadcrumbs for added crunch on the top layer.
