Halal Eggplant Parmesan

Halal Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring layers of crispy, breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. This comforting meal is not only satisfying but also a great way to enjoy the flavors of fresh vegetables and spices.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 300g)
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour - 1/2 cup (60g)
• Eggs - 2 large
• Breadcrumbs - 1 cup (100g)
• Grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup (25g)
• Mozzarella cheese - 1 cup (100g), shredded
• Olive oil - 1/4 cup (60ml)
• Marinara sauce - 1 cup (240ml)
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Fresh basil - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and dried oregano.
5. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the fried eggplant slices, followed by half of the remaining marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat the layering process with the remaining eggplant, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 190 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Eggplants are high in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• This dish provides a good source of protein and calcium from cheese, essential for bone health.

Tags