Parmigiana di Melanzane

Parmigiana di Melanzane is a classic Italian dish that layers sliced eggplant with rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and aromatic herbs. This Halal version maintains the authenticity of flavors while ensuring it's suitable for all dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 2 medium-sized
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Canned crushed tomatoes - 400 grams
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Fresh basil - 10 leaves, chopped
• Mozzarella cheese - 200 grams, sliced
• Parmesan cheese - 50 grams, grated
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Slice the eggplants into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and a pinch of black pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in the chopped basil and remove from heat.
5. In another skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
6. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the fried eggplant slices, followed by half of the mozzarella and a third of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with tomato sauce and the remaining Parmesan on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and eggplants.
• Provides a good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

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