The Ultimate Aubergine Parmigiana Recipe: Cozy Italian Comfort

My kitchen adventures with aubergine parmigiana always spark culinary excitement and memories of Mediterranean summers.

Vibrant purple vegetables get layered with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese in this classic Italian dish.

Crisp eggplant slices create magical textures that melt in your mouth.

Seasonal ingredients transform simple components into something extraordinary.

Fragrant herbs and robust cheese intensify every delicious bite.

Comfort and sophistication merge perfectly in this timeless recipe.

Discover why this dish will become your new favorite comfort meal.

Why Nigella Aubergine Parmigiana Is So Tasty

• Savor Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a classic Italian dish bursting with rich, sun-kissed tastes that transport you straight to the Mediterranean coastline.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy layering and grilling methods that transform basic ingredients into a spectacular, restaurant-worthy meal with minimal culinary skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Vegetarian Delight: Impress family and friends with a hearty, vegetable-centered main course that satisfies even meat lovers with its robust, comforting profile.
• Adaptable Kitchen Companion: Customize the recipe by swapping ingredients, adjusting spice levels, or preparing components in advance for a flexible, stress-free cooking experience.

What Goes Into Nigella Aubergine Parmigiana

• Aubergine: A soft and tender vegetable that becomes wonderfully charred when grilled.
• Tomatoes: Fresh squashed tomatoes create a rich and flavorful base sauce for the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that adds a salty and sharp flavor to the layers.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, melty cheese that provides a creamy texture on top of the dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Oregano: These ingredients build a deep and fragrant flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy note to balance the rich tomato sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and adding a smooth, rich base to the sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden topping that adds texture to the final dish.

How To Bake Nigella Aubergine Parmigiana Easily

Step 1: Craft Aromatic Tomato Base

Warm olive oil in a skillet and gently sauté finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and dried oregano until they become soft and translucent. The kitchen will fill with a delightful fragrance that promises delicious flavors ahead.

Step 2: Develop Rich Tomato Sauce

Pour in crushed tomatoes, splash of balsamic vinegar, sprinkle salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer and reduce, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until it thickens and develops a deep, robust flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Grilled Aubergine Slices

Slice aubergines into even, medium-thick rounds. Brush with olive oil and grill on high heat until each slice becomes beautifully charred with golden-brown edges and becomes tender. This step adds smoky depth to the dish.

Step 4: Create Layered Foundation

Select a baking dish and start building delicious layers. Begin with a generous spread of tomato sauce, then add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, followed by a layer of grilled aubergine slices. Repeat this process to create multiple flavor-packed layers.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Top the final layer with remaining tomato sauce, another sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a mix of golden breadcrumbs, and finish with torn pieces of fresh mozzarella for a creamy, melty top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 190°C/375°F. Bake for approximately 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown, cheese melts completely, and the edges start bubbling with irresistible promise.

Helpful Notes For Nigella Aubergine Parmigiana

• Prep Aubergines Right: Salt slices for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, preventing soggy texture and reducing bitterness.
• Choose Perfect Cheese Blend: Mix Parmesan and mozzarella for rich, creamy layers with balanced melting properties.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer tomato sauce until slightly thickened to prevent watery dish and enhance flavor concentration.
• Grill Aubergines Carefully: Brush slices with olive oil and grill at high heat for beautiful char marks and tender texture.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble dish in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking for deeper taste profile.

Ways To Switch Up Nigella Aubergine Parmigiana

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace Parmesan and mozzarella with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Use plant-based breadcrumbs for a dairy-free version.
• Zucchini Swap: Substitute aubergine with thinly sliced zucchini for a lighter, summery alternative. Keep all other ingredients the same.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed almonds or ground pork rinds. Add extra layers of grilled chicken or plant-based protein for more substance.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate fresh basil, mint, and thyme into the sauce. Sprinkle za'atar spice blend on top before baking for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Best Pairings With Nigella Aubergine Parmigiana

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, earthy flavors of aubergine and cuts through the cheesy, tomato-based sauce.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side that soaks up the delicious sauce and adds a crispy texture contrast to the soft, layered aubergine parmigiana.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Prepare a light, zesty green salad with mixed herbs like basil, parsley, and arugula to balance the heaviness of the dish and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to offer a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich, cheesy vegetable bake, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How To Store Nigella Aubergine Parmigiana Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or aluminum foil, preserving for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm at 180C/350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs On Nigella Aubergine Parmigiana

• Can I use different types of cheese in Aubergine Parmigiana?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or use a mix of cheeses like ricotta and pecorino for a unique flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to salt aubergine slices before cooking?

Salting helps remove excess moisture and bitterness from aubergines, making them less soggy and more flavorful. Let slices sit with salt for 30 minutes, then pat dry before grilling.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Reduce cheese quantity, use olive oil spray instead of pouring oil, and grill aubergines instead of frying to cut down on calories and fat content.

Aubergine Parmigiana Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Layers of silky aubergine parmigiana reveal Italian culinary magic, melding rich tomato sauce with creamy cheese and herb-infused eggplant. Comfort meets elegance in this classic Mediterranean dish you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large firm aubergines
• 2 x 400 grams (14 ounces) quality plum tomatoes or 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) ripe fresh tomatoes
• 3 large handfuls freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) buffalo mozzarella (optional)

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 bulb spring garlic or 1 clove regular garlic, finely sliced
• 1 heaped teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bunch fresh basil (30 grams / 1 ounce)
• Few sprigs fresh oregano, finely chopped

Seasonings and Additives:

• Olive oil
• Splash of wine vinegar
• 2 handfuls dried breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Craft a fragrant base by gently sautéing finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and dried oregano in olive oil until translucent and aromatic.
2. Introduce crushed tomatoes to the pan, incorporating a splash of vinegar, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop depth for approximately 15 minutes.
3. Prepare aubergine slices by grilling them until they develop beautiful char marks and become tender, ensuring a smoky flavor and soft texture.
4. Assemble the dish in a baking vessel by creating initial layers: spread a generous portion of tomato sauce, sprinkle grated Parmesan, and carefully arrange grilled aubergine slices.
5. Continue layering with alternating sauce, Parmesan, and aubergine until ingredients are exhausted, creating a harmonious composition.
6. Crown the final layer with remaining tomato sauce, a lavish sprinkling of Parmesan, a crunchy breadcrumb mixture, and decadent mozzarella cheese.
7. Transfer to a preheated oven at 190°C and bake for 30 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling surface that signals perfect doneness.

Notes

• Use firm, fresh aubergines with smooth, shiny skin to ensure the best texture and flavor absorption.
• Pat aubergine slices dry with paper towels before grilling to remove excess moisture and achieve perfect charring.
• Sprinkle sea salt on aubergine slices and let rest for 15 minutes to draw out bitterness and improve overall taste.
• For a lighter version, replace breadcrumbs with ground almonds or skip them entirely to reduce carbohydrate content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg