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Melanzane Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan) by Emma Eats & Explores - grainfree, glutenfree, sugarfree, paleo, Low Carb & Vegetarian

Three Cheese Melanzane Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan)

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Appetisers, Main Dish
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Italian, Low Carb, Paleo, Refined Sugar-Free, Vegetarian
Servings 12 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 onions
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 6 aubergines (eggplants)
  • 1600 g tinned, chopped tomatoes
  • 600 g ricotta cheese
  • 200 g Parmesan cheese
  • 500 g mozzarella cheese (balls, not grated)
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • salt & pepper

Instructions
 

To make the Tomato Sauce

  • Dice the onions, slice the garlic and cook in a saucepan on a medium heat with 1/2 tbsp of the olive oil until they are soft and translucent.
  • Add the tinned tomatoes, oregano and season well with plenty of salt and pepper.
  • Allow to simmer on a low heat until you are ready to put the dish together (preferably for around an hour).

Cook the Aubergines

  • Preheat the oven to 180C (350F).
  • Slice the aubergines into rounds about 1/2 cm thick and arrange in a layer on a baking sheet.
  • Brush each slice with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper.
  • Bake in the oven for around 6-8 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, flip each slice over, brush with oil and season again.
  • Cook for around another 6 minutes until softened and browning.
  • As you complete the aubergine cooking, arrange the cooked pieces in layers on a plate with kitchen towel in-between to soak up any excess oil.
  • Grate the parmesan and mix half of it into the ricotta. Slice the mozzarella balls into thin slices.

Create the Melanzane Parmigiana

  • Start with a layer of tomato sauce, all over the bottom of a large over proof dish.
  • Then arrange some of the cooked aubergine slices in a layer on top.
  • Add a layer of the Parmesan ricotta mixture on top of the aubergine and cover with more tomato sauce.
  • Add another layer of aubergine slices and then a layer of mozzarella slices.
  • Repeat the last four steps one more time each so that you end up with mozzarella on top again.
  • Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top of the dish and cook in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbling.