Aubergine Parmigiana Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do you leave the skin on eggplant for eggplant parmesan? ›

The peel of an eggplant is completely edible. However, as the eggplant grows bigger and matures, the peel may become tough and bitter. People often prefer to peel larger eggplants because of this, but smaller eggplants do just fine unpeeled. It ends up being a matter of personal preference.

1. Salt the Eggplant to Remove Excess Moisture. This is key to crispy results. Eggplants are 92% water.

Avoid using fresh mozzarella, as it can add too much extra moisture and make the eggplant parmigiana watery.

It's likely just been exposed to air and is experiencing enzymatic browning. An eggplant with brown spots is not safe to eat if it contains bugs or mold or exhibits other signs of spoilage. It should be thrown out.

From classics such garlic bread and bruschetta, to healthier options such as sauteed spinach and roasted brussel sprouts, there are so many options for what to serve with Eggplant Parmesan.

Why do you salt eggplant slices and then wait and dab off moisture? It is supposed to remove the bitterness. You can also rinse them in cold water afterwards. Many small eggplant varieties are not bitter at all even with the skin.

Can eggplant parmesan be made ahead and/or frozen? Yes! This dish can be assembled up to 2 days before baking; it can also be frozen, baked, or unbaked, for up to 3 months. (If freezing, defrost in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating/baking.)

You mentioned that once they turned out tough and chewy: then they were not cooked fully through. Vegetables are not like meat, which turn rubbery when overcooked. They turn soft rather. Watch out for the opposite as well: Eggplants when cooked for a long time may turn mushy.

Eggplants are known to absorb a lot of fat while cooking. A useful tip to prevent sogginess and greasiness is to salt sliced or diced eggplant and let it sit for an hour. This helps to draw out moisture. Next, rinse and drain any liquid from the sliced eggplant, then pat dry before cooking.

I tend to soak the slices in a bowl of water with a couple of tablespoon of salt for about 30-45 minutes. It doesn't have to do with bitterness, but I find that in doing this, the fried eggplant turns out less greasy," Jenkins says.

How do you know when eggplant is done cooking? ›

When it's cooked, “it should turn fully tender, all the flesh should be somewhat custardy. If you have to, hammer it a bit, knock it around, let it start to collapse.” When you're roasting eggplant, like in YuChen's recipe, “make sure you give them enough space so they can cook evenly,” she says.

The ideal wine may be of no surprise but eggplant parmesan is best matched with a Tuscan red wine such as Chianti or Brunello.

Italian food is often served in big portions, and eggplant can become soggy from soaking up all the moisture. Chicken parmesan is filled with protein and very filling on the stomach compared to eggplant. If you are looking for a meal that will leave you full, chicken parmesan is the best option.

Parmigiana, known as Parmigiana di Melanzane or Melanzane alla Parmigiana, is a classic Italian dish made with thinly sliced, floured and fried eggplant layered with tomato sauce and cheese and baked in the oven. Parmigiana made with a filling of eggplant is the earliest and still unique Italian version.

Baked eggplant Parmesan lasts three to five days in the refrigerator if stored properly. Store it in an airtight container for best results.