Zesty Italian Eggplant Parmesan

Zesty Italian Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that features crispy, breaded eggplant slices layered with rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. It's a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that can be served as a main course. The addition of a zesty Italian seasoning gives it an extra kick, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients:- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds- 1 cup all-purpose flour- 3 large eggs, beaten- 2 cups bread crumbs- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning- 3 cups marinara sauce- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)- Salt and pepper to taste- Olive oil for frying

Instructions:1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry with a paper towel.

3. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

4. Dredge each eggplant slice first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to ensure an even coating.

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

6. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Layer the fried eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with more marinara sauce and a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the eggplant slices are used up, finishing with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

9. Serve hot with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad.

Enjoy your delicious Zesty Italian Eggplant Parmesan!