Anastasia’s Royal Escape Eggplant Parmesan

Anastasia's Royal Escape Eggplant Parmesan is a dish fit for royalty. This recipe combines layers of tender eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it brings a touch of elegance to your table. The secret lies in the careful preparation of each ingredient, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, this dish is both approachable and impressive. Get ready to wow your guests with a meal that tastes as good as it looks.

Gather Your Ingredients for Anastasia’s Royal Escape Eggplant Parmesan

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• Salt, for drawing out moisture from eggplant slices
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Black pepper, to taste

Essential Tools for This Recipe

Tools Needed for Anastasia's Royal Escape Eggplant Parmesan

• Chef's Knife: For slicing eggplant, onions, and garlic.
• Cutting Board: To provide a stable surface for chopping.
• Vegetable Peeler: To peel the eggplant if desired.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the eggplant coating and mixing ingredients.
• Whisk: To beat eggs and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Sheets: For roasting the eggplant slices.
• Parchment Paper: To line baking sheets and prevent sticking.
• Large Skillet: For frying the eggplant slices.
• Tongs: To flip eggplant slices while frying.
• Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from fried eggplant.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: For layering and baking the final dish.
• Grater: To grate cheese for the topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
• Oven Mitts: To handle hot baking dishes safely.
• Spatula: To serve the finished dish.

Why This Recipe Works

Anastasia's Royal Escape Eggplant Parmesan is a tribute to the elegance and resilience of Anastasia Romanov. This dish combines rich flavors and hearty textures, symbolizing her journey. We create this culinary masterpiece to honor her legacy, blending tradition with modern techniques for a truly regal dining experience.

How to Make Anastasia’s Royal Escape Eggplant Parmesan

Anastasia's Royal Escape Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle both sides with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.

3. Prepare breading stations:

   • In one bowl, place flour.
   • In a second bowl, beat eggs.
   • In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil.

4. Dredge eggplant slices:

   • Coat each slice in flour, shaking off excess.
   • Dip in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
   • Press into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.

5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

6. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce.

7. Top eggplant layer with 1 cup marinara sauce and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

8. Repeat layers:

   • Add another layer of eggplant slices.
   • Top with 1 cup marinara sauce and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Continue until all eggplant slices are used, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese.

9. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.

10. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

11. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

12. Serve hot and enjoy your royal escape with this delicious Eggplant Parmesan.

Bringing It All Together

Anastasia's Royal Escape Eggplant Parmesan isn't just a dish; it's an experience. The layers of tender eggplant, rich marinara, and gooey cheese create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Remember to salt the eggplant slices to remove excess moisture and bitterness. Use fresh ingredients for the best results, and don't rush the baking process. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Give this recipe a try, and you'll see why it's a royal escape from the ordinary. Happy cooking!