Eggplant Parmesan....Olive Garden Style
In
2005, when I visited my aunt in Detroit, she took me to this fancy place called
Olive Garden. (Yes, fancy for me at that
time since being a student all I was used to was pizza in the cafeteria,
subways and not to forget the “famous” taco bell). Being in US for just under 3
months I had no idea what to get for myself, she suggested I order Eggplant
Parmesan.
I
still won’t forget the first bite of the eggplant…was simply delicious. Since then that has been my favorite dish in Olive Garden.
Not only for this reason but being husband's favorite dish this recipe is very special.
For
the eggplant
1
Eggplant
Olive
oil
1
cup Bread crumbs (plain or Italian)
¼
cup all-purpose flour
2
cups Pasta sauce (homemade or store bought)
¼
cup Parmesan cheese
¼
cup Mozzarella cheese
Few
Basil leaves (fresh preferred)
Salt
For
tomato sauce (if you want to make it at home)
5-6
tomatos
2
garlic cloves
Salt
Black
pepper
As
a side:
Spagetti
Cut
eggplant about 1/4inch thick in circles
Wash
the eggplant with salt and water; this is to remove all the excess of water
from the eggplant.
Let
the eggplant sit for about an hour to two.
In
a bowl mix all-purpose flour, bread crumbs, salt, basil powder
Take
each slice of the eggplant and dip it in olive oil followed by the all-purpose
flour and bread crumbs mixture.
Heat
a skillet and add oil place each slice of the eggplant and cook both sides
until golden brown.
Note:
If the bread crumbs are not sticking, make sure to add more oil to the
eggplant.
For
the tomato sauce:
Crush
all the tomatos and make a puree.
In
a pan heat oil and add crushed garlic. Cook the garlic until brown and add the
tomato puree followed by fresh basil leaves and salt.
In
a baking tray place the cooked eggplants slices and add the tomato sauce
followed by parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
You
can follow the same by creating multiple layers or just leave it at a single
layer.
Pre-heat
the oven to 350F and place the baking tray. Cook this for about 20-30 minutes
depending on the layers created.
In
a deep pan bring water to boil, add salt, olive oil followed by spaghetti
Once
cooked, drain and keep it aside.
In
a dish add the eggplant parmesan and place the spaghetti with some tomato sauce
at the side.
Do
you really need to go to Olive Garden next time when you crave for Eggplant
Parmesan?
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