Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients

• 2 eggplant
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• ¼ cup fresh basil (optional)
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Steps

1. Slice eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds and salt them; let sit for 30 minutes, then pat dry.
2. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each eggplant slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, coating evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Layer half the fried eggplant, then half the remaining marinara sauce, and half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layers.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.