Jamie Oliver's Eggplant Parmesan Recipe (2024)

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Cooking Notes

Stacie

Love this recipe, it's delicious. I've made it a few times. It freezes well. I have cut down on the amount of olive oil on the eggplant by putting aluminum foil on the baking sheets and spreading olive oil over it with a brush. After placing the eggplant on it, I put olive oil on the top side of the eggplant. Works fine, tastes the same but less oil.

Nancy

I've made this dish twice now and, just like other posters here, it was completely gone by the end of the meal. The first try, although it was really good, everyone agreed it needed more cheese. So the next time around I used pecorino romano which has a little stronger flavor. Also added fresh thyme along with the fresh basil. Turned out great!

Raul

This recipe is amazing. One of the tastiest ways of having eggplant, however I found the sauce a bit light. The second time I made it, I added a hit of red wine when making the sauce and it was amazing!

Jan

I have made this recipe 4 times this summer and my husband and I just love it. I have tried this with layers of eggplant and zucchini as well as just eggplant. Each time I made my own sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, dried red pepper flakes and red wine. One review suggested Romano Pecorino Cheese and instead of Parmesan and to add extra cheese. I totally agree. This recipe can be make ahead as well is great for leftovers.

JoanC

Loved this! I followed the recipe exactly, even using the vinegar in the sauce (which seemed weird to me), but the result was delicious. Finally, an eggplant parm recipe that isn't swimming in oil. The only thing I would suggest, and which I will do next time, is using fresh bread crumbs instead of the dried ones, which it looks like they did in the photograph that illustrates the dish. Fine dry bread crumbs create an odd texture.

marymax

You can brown the eggplant on both sides if you preheat the pan to 450 and brown on the bottom shelf of oven.

Mallory dlR

This was absolutely delicious!

You don't have to tell me twice to add more cheese to anything. I read the reviews and took their advice. :)

The only difference for me would be to leave the sauce uncovered. It was too watery for me even with the baking aspect. That's a personal preference thing. I did uncover halfway through, but it wasn't enough. I would suggest cooking uncovered on the same medium-low setting for maybe 25 minutes.

Lou

This recipe is terrific. The only change I made was that I added about 6 oz. of some sliced fresh mushrooms to it before it all went into the oven. The chewiness of the mushrooms was a nice complement to the eggplant.

Clarence

Woke up this morning and when I wandered into the kitchen, I could still smell the aroma of this wonderful dish.

The extra cheese is important, and since we are just starting Hatch Green Chile time here in Texas, I added a layer of roasted chiles to the dish. Fantastic taste, and a little kick too. This is a terrific meal.

Charlie

Having grown up on fried eggplant slices in my eggplant parm, I have for years resisted all other versions as "inauthentic." How foolish. First, in Italian farmhouses where this dish arose, folks were more likely to roast than fry - because it's cheaper and easier. Second, when it is roasted you can really taste the eggplant. This recipe is terrific. My variation is to grill the slices with just a tiny bit of apple chips. Just a bit of smoke, not too much. Very nice.

Michael

Add some red wine while cooking the onions.

After the tomatoes are nice and tender and you've added the basil/oregano go ahead and immersion blend the sauce so the red wine vinegar acts as an emulsifier for the olive oil that's already in the pan.

I used Locatelli cheese for the dish, interested in how it would go with Grana Padano.

My girlfriend, who is from a very Italian family, said that her mother probably would have smacked her because she likes it better than moms.

Stan

Heeding earlier comments I used more cheese-1 1/2 cups of parmesan and pecorino romano. It was delicious! Because the cheeses are salty I will not add salt to the sauce the next time.

Robin

Very tasty and light. After reading the other notes I added a dollop of anchovy paste and a spoonful of capers. I used crushed tomatoes and didn't have a problem with too much liquid.

Kim

I found this recipe on the web yesterday and made it last night with eggplant delivered in yesterday's CSA basket. I hastened the process by using a store bought organic basil tomato sauce and added some fresh grated mozzarella in addition to the Parmesan. It was absolutely delicious. I intend to use the left overs by incorporating them into tonight's risotto...or perhaps a pasta.

Anna

Delicious recipe and the perfect base to add flavors. I read the reviews and picked my favorites: - roast the eggplant on the parchment paper.- added 3 anchovies filets, and a tablespoon of capers to the tomato sauce and let it simmer - at the end of cooking the tomato sauce, I added fish sauce - the eggplant needed more time; plan for 45-50 min for both sides to get a nice color.- 100 grams of Gran Padana and 100 grams of Pecorino Romano

adam

In full agreement that this a great recipe. I think to give the tomato sauce a greater depth of flavor, it should really be cooked down more. Add anchovy and tomato paste, deglaze with wine, and cook for a full 40 minutes.

DawnM

I made this as written, and the sauce was really lacking - in fact, no one asked for seconds, or even commented on it (it looked lovely). Next time I will use pecorino romano as some have suggested, and add tomato paste & wine to the sauce to give it some "oomph." Also may do as others have suggested and add mozzarella. It needs to be tweaked to achieve "memorable" status.

StillLearning

We loved this. Served with simple salad and bread. Not difficult, but time consuming. Based on other comments, I used parchment, and added mushrooms, fireroasted diced tomatoes, and extra garlic to the sauce. Used pecorino, and topped with small amt of mozzarella with the breadcrumbs.. With the additions, had enough sauce and eggplant for a 9x13.

charlie lawrence

I love this recipe but it takes forever to brown the eggplant. 10-15 minutes is totally unrealistic, more like 30-40 min!

barbara

Did the recipe as written, but grilled the eggplant slices in a Foreman grill - NO olive oil, breading and frying: tasted GREAT. Super simple, easier cleanup!

Raj Menon

Loved this recipe. Haven’t enjoyed egg plan Parmesan this much. Added half a spoon on red chili flakes and would have like a bit more sauce. But awesome the way it was

a staple recipe in my house

I make this recipe at least twice a month. I often double it and refrigerate the second dish after step 3.

Low carb maker and baker

This was SO GOOD!!!! I couldn't help it and added mozarella and also doubled the parm as others suggested. Snuck 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes into the sauce. I love this dish but we think this was the best recipe ever -- with the mozza of course :)Skipped the flour too!

Lorry Taylor-Sheasgreen

I have made this recipe many times and have found that it is not only delicious but easier by far than some other eggplant parmigiana recipes. I must confess, I don't make the sauce but use one made by a good and reliable local business. I add a little parsley for flavor. I don't think the breadcrumbs improve the recipe.

Schiff Note

Add thyme

Ted

This is a great recipe. I've make it a few times. It won me over to eggplant, something I never liked before. This is delicious, and easy.

Lisa Houck

Like others, I was raised on thin, fried eggplant slices for eggplant parm, and to save others from making my mistake I offer this: if you slice the eggplant for this dish too thinly, it disappears. Next time, 1/2” thick slices at least. Also, because I happen to really like the breaded version, I sprinkled each layer with panko along with a 2/3-1/3 mix of Romano and Parmesan. Except for the disappearing eggplant, it was really good!

Eve

I found this too heavy on the tomato sauce.

AndiB

I’m an amateur and this was easy. Lined pans with foil, preheated with oven, spray with olive oil and brushed on oil on tops. Cooked about 15 minutes per side, one pan, was double insulated and needed a little more time to brown the eggplant. The rest of the recipe was straightforward and easy. Was I supposed to chop the basil? I don’t think the recipe said to, and so I just threw in whole leaves. Will shred or tear next time.

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Jamie Oliver's Eggplant Parmesan Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it necessary to peel eggplant for eggplant Parmesan? ›

Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it? The peel of an eggplant is completely edible. However, as the eggplant grows bigger and matures, the peel may become tough and bitter. People often prefer to peel larger eggplants because of this, but smaller eggplants do just fine unpeeled.

Should you sweat eggplant before making eggplant Parmesan? ›

Another argument in favor of salting claims that it draws moisture out of the eggplant's cells that will, in turn, block the absorption of oil during cooking. But we know from experience that a salted eggplant still soaks up quite a bit of oil. So, in the end, we're with Clee on this one: don't sweat it.

How do you keep eggplant Parmesan from getting soggy? ›

1. Salt the Eggplant to Remove Excess Moisture. This is key to crispy results. Eggplants are 92% water.

Can you skip salting eggplant? ›

Sara Jenkins, chef and owner of Porsena in New York City has cooked many an eggplant in her career and firmly believes salting is unnecessary. "I have rarely found an eggplant that is so bitter that it needs salting. I just cut it up, toss the pieces with olive oil, and start cooking." she says.

What is the secret to cooking eggplant? ›

Eggplants are known to absorb a lot of fat while cooking. A useful tip to prevent sogginess and greasiness is to salt sliced or diced eggplant and let it sit for an hour. This helps to draw out moisture. Next, rinse and drain any liquid from the sliced eggplant, then pat dry before cooking.

Should I rinse eggplant after salting? ›

Furthermore, adding a good amount of salt will help tenderize the eggplant and keep its shape. Let the eggplant sit: Place the seasoned eggplant over a colander for 30 minutes to an hour. Once beads of moisture start to appear, rinse your eggplant slices under cold water and remove excess salt.

How to make eggplant parm not bitter? ›

Salt it.

Some say that it doesn't really pull out the bitterness, but instead just masks our perception of it. Regardless, sprinkling a good amount of salt over eggplant slices or cubes before they're cooked does draw out some of its moisture and lessens the bitterness.

Why is my eggplant Parmesan watery? ›

By salting it generously and giving it a few hours to pull out the water, you will have a much better end result. Without this step, you'll end up with a very watery eggplant parmesan with soggy breading.

Do you salt eggplant for eggplant Parmesan? ›

In a large bowl, on a baking sheet, or directly on a cutting board, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly all over the eggplant slices. Lay out a few layers of paper towels on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Arrange about one-third of the eggplant slices in a single layer and cover with more paper towels.

Why is my eggplant parm bitter? ›

Chemical Compounds: Blame the bitter taste on naturally occurring compounds called alkaloids that plants can produce to protect themselves as a defense against predators. Eggplants can have the alkaloid solanine, which can give it a bitter taste.

Are you supposed to peel eggplant for eggplant Parmesan? ›

The vegetable's skin is completely edible and tends to soften as it cooks, so in many recipes it's fine to leave the skin on. That said, I recommend peeling the eggplant for eggplant parmesan. As an eggplant grows larger, the skin can become tough and bitter — something that I prefer to avoid.

Does eggplant Parmesan taste better the next day? ›

It's my favorite dish, rich and satisfying; it can keep a man alive for days. Of course that's assuming you're lucky enough to possess eggplant parmigiana left overs after your meal is done. Because it actually tastes better the next day after some overnight magic melding of flavors.

Is it better to cook eggplant with skin on or off? ›

While the skin of a small young eggplant is edible, the skin becomes bitter on larger or older eggplants and should be peeled. When in doubt, the answer to, "Do you peel eggplant before cooking?" is yes, peel it. Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin.

Can you cook eggplant without peeling? ›

The skin is entirely edible, though with larger eggplants it can be a little tough. If your eggplant is young, tender, and on the small side, the nutrient-rich skin can probably be left on for skillet frying or braising. Otherwise, peel the skin and then slice or cube the flesh.

Does Italian eggplant need to be peeled? ›

3. Always peeling it before cooking. If it's an extra-large eggplant, the vegetable could be older and the skin tougher, therefore, it's a smart idea to peel it. But small, young eggplant have thin, tender skins that add great texture to the vegetable when cooked.

Do you take seeds out of eggplant for eggplant Parmesan? ›

We want less seeds to have the driest eggplant slices possible. Also, bigger eggplants can yield a more bitter taste. (We actually got to PICK our own italian eggplants in Tuscany for this dish). parmesan cheese - Don't you DARE buy the pre-shredded kind!

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