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?

 

Link to:

Cook Like a Celebrity Chef event