Eggplant Parmesan
Try this Eggplant Parmesan recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Eggplant Parmesan recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 medium eggplant (mine was on the larger side of medium –
- 1 1/2 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese (i grated mine on t
- 3/4 cup whole wheat panko crumbs ( i used ian’s brand – yo though wheat panko crumbs have less points and calories on their own)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil flakes
- 1 cup tomato basil pasta sauce (i used francesco rinaldi
- 3/4 cup shredded reduced fat 2% mozzarella cheese
- Carbohydrate 0.3169525 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0340941666666667 g
- Fiber 0.0409333321253459 g
- Protein 1.84228333333333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00142333333333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (24g)
- Sodium 27.4569166666667 mg
- Sugar 0.276019167874654 g
- Trans Fat 0.0292908333333333 g
- Calories 9 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Lightly mist 2 baking sheets with olive oil cooking spray and set aside.
- Slice eggplant horizontally into 1/8 inch thin rounds.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg whites until the slightest bit bubbly.
- In a separate bowl or Ziploc bag, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil and oregano and stir or shake to thoroughly mix.
- Transfer mixture to a shallow dish.
- Dip each eggplant round with egg whites, allowing excess to drip off, and then place flat onto crumb mixture, pressing down a few times with your fingers.
- Flip eggplant and do the same on the other side to coat, then transfer to baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining pieces.
- When all eggplant pieces are on the sheets, lightly mist the tops with olive oil cooking spray.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes (until bottoms start to turn golden brown), remove from oven and flip pieces and then continue baking for another 12-15 minutes.
- Remove eggplant from oven and spoon some of the pasta sauce onto the center of each round, then top each with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to oven and bake another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Eggplant Parmesan Perfection
As a busy professional, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner often feels like a race against the clock, a frantic scramble between meetings and deadlines. So when I found myself with an unexpected half-hour of free time last week, I decided to embark on a culinary adventure. I'd been wanting to try making eggplant parmesan, that classic Italian dish, but always felt intimidated by the seemingly endless list of steps. To my surprise, however, it proved to be surprisingly manageable and incredibly rewarding. The aroma filling my kitchen during the baking process was divine, a fragrant promise of a delicious and satisfying meal, a far cry from the usual takeout or reheated leftovers that often dominated my weeknights.
The process itself was surprisingly therapeutic. The rhythmic slicing of the eggplant, the careful coating in the breadcrumb mixture, the gentle placement onto the baking sheets – it was a meditative experience, a welcome break from the constant demands of my workday. And the result? A dish that was far superior to anything I could have ordered from a restaurant. The eggplant was perfectly tender, the breading delightfully crispy, and the melted mozzarella cheese provided a gooey, satisfying counterpoint to the savory tomato sauce. This wasn't just a meal; it was a testament to the simple joys of cooking, a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's time for small moments of culinary creativity.
More than just a satisfying dinner, this eggplant parmesan became a symbol of self-care. In the fast-paced world where we constantly strive to accomplish more, it was a gentle reminder to take time for myself, to nurture myself both physically and mentally. The process of creating something delicious and nourishing from simple ingredients was incredibly empowering. It fueled not only my body, but also my soul, providing a sense of accomplishment and a boost of self-esteem. It was a quiet rebellion against the tyranny of instant gratification, a celebration of slow, mindful cooking.
The recipe itself was straightforward, with easily accessible ingredients. The combination of crispy eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella was a symphony of flavors. And the best part? The leftovers were even better the next day! I was able to enjoy a delicious lunch without having to worry about preparing anything else. This experience has inspired me to explore more recipes and to continue to make time for the simple pleasure of home cooking, even amidst a busy schedule. It's a small act of rebellion, a declaration that even in the face of demanding days, I will take time to create something delicious and nourishing for myself. It’s a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
I highly recommend giving this eggplant parmesan recipe a try. It's a fantastic way to add some excitement to your weeknight dinners without sacrificing too much of your precious time. The feeling of accomplishment and the taste of a homemade meal are well worth the effort. And who knows, maybe it will inspire you to embark on your own unexpected culinary adventure.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its deliciousness, but in its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add some spicy peppers for a kick, or use a different type of pasta sauce. The possibilities are endless! The important thing is to enjoy the process and to savour the delicious results. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be amazed. Your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you for it. Trust me on this one. This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience.
