Today I’m sharing the last of the DIY Guy’s birthday dinner with his favorite – Eggplant Parmesan. I bought some eggplant beauties at our local farmer’s market the day before we celebrated. The key to prepping your eggplant, is after you slice it 1/2″ thick, salt it lightly and place between paper towels with a heavy type cutting board on top for 90 minutes. This really helps remove some of the moisture and you aren’t left with a soggy mess.
Another key is making sure your oil is hot before frying. If they go in too early, the eggplant will soak up the oil. I usually let my oil get to 290 degrees and use about 1/2″ in a large skillet. If you have a cooking thermometer, use that. Lastly, I decided to use a 1:1 ratio of panko crumbs and seasoned bread crumbs. It was nicely seasoned and a bit crispier.
Eggplant Parmesan
- 2 medium eggplants; sliced ½” thick
- seasoned breadcrumbs
- panko crumbs
- 2 eggs
- flour
- mozzarella cheese
- parmesan cheese
- fresh basil
- marinara sauce
Of course we needed a salad to go with dinner and for that I also found some ripe and delicious tomatoes to make a caprese salad.
Aren’t these tomatoes just fantastic looking? I like using two different kind of tomatoes for some fun color. The basil was from our garden and drizzled with olive oil and S&P.
That concludes the birthday bash food extravaganza! Here are the other dishes we also had:
Appetizer {original post here}
Soup {original post here}
Dessert {original post here}
We also had tasty beverages – Mojitos but alas no pictures.
It is safe to say John was fed well on his birthday!
Cindy Eikenberg, Little Miss Celebration says
Deb, this looks amazing! I love eggplant parm and yours sounds and looks fabulous! Pinning and buffering! Have a great Tuesday!
Tanya-Lemonsforlulu.com says
This is something I love to order when we go out, but have never tried at home. I love your detailed instructions, I think I can recreate this at home now!
Krista Rollins says
Great eggplant tips Deb! Definitely need to try this, I made eggplant parm one time at home and it turned out in a mess and was not good. Pinning this one and trying! 🙂
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats
Nancy Piran says
This meal looks wonderful!!
Shana Norris says
I had Eggplant Parmesan at a restaurant years ago, LOVED it, but have always been scared to try it at home. This looks so good, though, and like something I could handle. You made a delicious looking dinner for the DIY Guy!
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says
Eggplant parm is so tasty and these look great!
jodi stewart says
Hi Deb! I've done chicken parmesan and tofu parmesan, but never eggplant. I keep buying eggplant meaning to make it, and it just never happens. You've inspired me. Next shop I'm getting definitely going to get it again and actually use it this time!
Thanks for hosting the GYB party. 🙂
Mary says
Making this again tonight after I found it on Pinterest a few weeks ago! The kids love it! Thank you!