Eggplant Parm Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is both delicious and healthy. This dish consists of layers of thin-sliced eggplant, a flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy cheese all cooked together in a pan and then baked until golden brown and bubbly. The end result is a hearty and comforting meal that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
When preparing eggplant Parmesan lasagna, it is important to use thin-sliced eggplant to ensure that it cooks evenly and quickly. If you are using pre-sliced eggplant, you should still get the thin-sliced variety for the best results. In addition to thin-sliced eggplant, you will also need a quality tomato sauce, cheese, and any other toppings you may want to add. The cheese is usually mozzarella, but you can also use parmesan, ricotta, or any other cheese of your choice.
When making eggplant Parmesan lasagna, it is important to start by prepping the eggplant. Start by slicing the eggplant into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick. Place the slices into a colander and sprinkle with salt. The salt will help to draw out any excess moisture from the eggplant. Let the eggplant sit in the colander for about 30 minutes and then rinse them off with cold water.
Once the eggplant is prepped, you can begin making the lasagna. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and layer the bottom with a single layer of eggplant. Top the eggplant with a layer of tomato sauce and then a layer of cheese. Repeat the layering process until you have used up all your ingredients. Finish the lasagna off with a layer of cheese on top.
Once the lasagna is assembled, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is golden brown and bubbly. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Eggplant Parm Lasagna
When making eggplant Parmesan lasagna, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure the best results. First, make sure to use thin-sliced eggplant to ensure it cooks evenly. Second, don’t skimp on the cheese; the more cheese you use, the creamier and more flavorful the lasagna will be. Third, make sure to use a good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
In addition to these tips, you can also add other ingredients to your eggplant Parmesan lasagna to give it some extra flavor. Try adding some cooked Italian sausage, sliced mushrooms, or spinach to the layers. You can also top the lasagna with some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavorful kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of eggplant should I use for eggplant Parmesan lasagna?
For the best results, you should use thin-sliced eggplant for your lasagna. If you are using pre-sliced eggplant, make sure to get the thin-sliced variety for the best results.
How long should I bake the eggplant Parmesan lasagna?
The eggplant Parmesan lasagna should be baked for 45 minutes with the foil on and then an additional 10 minutes with the foil off to get it golden brown and bubbly.
Can I add other ingredients to the eggplant Parmesan lasagna?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the lasagna to give it some extra flavor. Try adding some cooked Italian sausage, sliced mushrooms, or spinach to the layers. You can also top the lasagna with some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavorful kick.
How can I make sure the eggplant Parmesan lasagna cooks evenly?
To ensure that the eggplant Parmesan lasagna cooks evenly, it's important to use thin-sliced eggplant. If you are using pre-sliced eggplant, make sure to get the thin-sliced variety for the best results.
Can I use other cheeses in my eggplant Parmesan lasagna?
Yes, you can use other cheeses in your eggplant Parmesan lasagna. In addition to mozzarella, you can also use parmesan, ricotta, or any other cheese of your choice.
