Eggplant Parmesan Ziti Recipe

Welcome back to Zynahz, dear food lovers! Today, I am thrilled to share with you a dish that’s a heartwarming blend of tradition and creativity—Eggplant Parmesan Ziti. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinner nights, combining the rich flavors of breaded eggplant, hearty tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses with the comforting taste of ziti pasta. It’s a wonderful way to bring everyone together around the table, celebrating the joy of home-cooked meals and seasonal ingredients.

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked al dente
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
4. Coat each eggplant slice first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs. Ensure they are well-coated.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
6. In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta, then a layer of fried eggplant slices.
7. Sprinkle a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the eggplant, then spoon more marinara sauce on top.
8. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous amount of cheese on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
10. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with fresh basil and serving. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips

For a lighter version, consider baking the breaded eggplant slices instead of frying. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to enjoy the dish with its original texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

No fresh basil? Dried basil works fine. Feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand.

This Eggplant Parmesan Ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. For drinks, consider a robust red wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon slices.

Try this delightful dish, and let the flavors transport you to your happy place. Share your creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. We would love to see and celebrate your culinary successes!

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