Mini Eggplant Parmesan
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 6 servings
- Calories
- 484
- Total Fat
- 35
- Saturated Fat
- 7
- Carbohydrates
- 32
- Dietary Fiber
- 7
- Sugar
- 10
- Protein
- 12
- Cholesterol
- 17
- Sodium
- 501
- Total: 35 min
- Active: 35 min
Ingredients
Sauce:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, peeled and smashed
1 shallot, chopped
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup jarred tomato-basil sauce, such as Giada De Laurentiis for Target
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Eggplant:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 large egg whites
2 Japanese eggplants, sliced diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup (packed) coarsely grated whole-milk mozzarella
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
Small fresh basil leaves, to garnish
Directions
- For the sauce: Heat the oil in a heavy medium saucepan over medium. Add the garlic, shallots and salt. Stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, basil, oregano and crushed red pepper. Simmer the sauce until the flavors blend and the sauce thickens, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Mix in the vinegar.
- For the eggplant: Mix the flour, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl. Whisk the egg whites in a medium bowl until frothy. Dip each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, then into the beaten egg whites, and then into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
- Heat the oil in a heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat until hot (the surface will appear to be shimmering), 2 to 3 minutes. Add half of the eggplant slices. Cook until deep golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer the eggplant to a paper-towel-lined plate. Fry the remaining eggplant. (Can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
- Preheat a broiler. Toss the mozzarella and Parmesan in a small bowl until well blended. Spread 1 generous teaspoon of the sauce over each eggplant slice. Top with a rounded teaspoon of the cheese mixture; spread out to cover and press lightly to adhere. Transfer the eggplant slices to a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until the cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the mini eggplant parmesans to a platter and garnish each with small basil leaf. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Cook’s Note
For a smoother consistency, the sauce can be pureed in a blender or food processor.