barefoot contessa eggplant parmesan

A Delicious Italian Delicacy

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, has perfected the recipe and made it her own. The dish is layered with eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This delicious recipe is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.

Ingredients Needed for Barefoot Contessa Eggplant Parmesan

To make the Barefoot Contessa’s version of Eggplant Parmesan, you will need:

• 2 large eggplants, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions for Making Barefoot Contessa Eggplant Parmesan

To make Barefoot Contessa Eggplant Parmesan, follow these simple instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine the eggplant slices and olive oil. Toss to coat the eggplant slices in the oil.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic, and eggs. Mix together until well combined.
4. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Mix together until well combined.
5. Dip each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake the eggplant slices in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove from the oven and turn each slice over. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
7. Remove the eggplant slices from the oven and let cool.
8. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the eggplant slices on top of the sauce.
9. Top with remaining marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Health Benefits of Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is packed with vitamins and minerals that make it a healthy option for your next meal. Eggplant is high in fiber, vitamins B1, B6, and K, magnesium, and potassium. It’s also low in calories, fat, and sodium. The Parmesan cheese adds calcium to the dish, making it a great source of vitamins and minerals.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, eggplant Parmesan is also a great source of protein. The eggplant and Parmesan cheese provide a good amount of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and energized. The marinara sauce is also a great source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against disease.

Tips for Making Perfect Barefoot Contessa Eggplant Parmesan

• Be sure to use fresh, ripe eggplants for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use breadcrumbs instead.
• If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead.
• To reduce the calorie count of the dish, you can use skim milk instead of whole milk and reduce the amount of cheese used.
• If you’d like to add more flavor to the dish, you can add herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley. You can also add garlic or onion to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Eggplant Parmesan?

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that consists of eggplant slices that have been breaded and fried, layered with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese, and baked in the oven.

What Are the Health Benefits of Eggplant Parmesan?

Eggplant Parmesan is a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as fiber, vitamins B1, B6, and K, magnesium, and potassium. It’s also a good source of protein and antioxidants.

What Is the Best Way to Make Eggplant Parmesan?

The best way to make eggplant Parmesan is to slice the eggplant into rounds, dip them in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then bake them in the oven until they’re golden brown. Then, layer them with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese and bake again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What Are Some Tips for Making Perfect Eggplant Parmesan?

Some tips for making perfect eggplant Parmesan include using fresh, ripe eggplants, using skim milk instead of whole milk, reducing the amount of cheese used, and adding herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, parsley, garlic, or onion for extra flavor.

What Is the Barefoot Contessa’s Version of Eggplant Parmesan?

The Barefoot Contessa’s version of Eggplant Parmesan is a classic recipe that has been perfected by Ina Garten. It consists of eggplant slices that have been coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then layered with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese and baked in the oven.