Eggplant alla Napolitana Recipe: Easy & Delicious Italian Classic

Discover the recipe for the irresistible Eggplant alla Napolitana, a classic dish that delights everyone!

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the Eggplant alla Napolitana:

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 200g sliced mozzarella
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Wash and slice the eggplants into approximately 0.5 cm thick slices.
3. Place the Eggplant alla Napolitana slices in a colander with salt to draw out excess moisture for 30 minutes.
4. Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels.
5. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
6. Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
7. In a baking dish, layer with sauce, then eggplant slices, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat the layers.
8. Finish with sauce and Parmesan.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
11. Serve the Eggplant alla Napolitana hot.

Tips and Variations

• For a lighter version, grill the eggplant slices instead of frying.
• Add other vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, to enrich the Eggplant alla Napolitana dish.
• Use other cheeses of your preference, like provolone or gorgonzola.
• Enhance the sauce with chopped black olives.
• Sprinkle dried oregano over the Eggplant alla Napolitana before baking for extra aroma.

CHEF’s Tips

The key to a perfect Eggplant alla Napolitana is in the preparation of the eggplant. Salting it beforehand helps remove excess moisture, ensuring the slices are more flavorful and less watery after cooking. Another important tip is not to skimp on extra virgin olive oil, which enhances the flavor and adds a special touch to the dish. Try adding a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce to balance the acidity and intensify the flavor of the other ingredients. For a final touch, a bit of red pepper flakes can add a delicious spicy kick. Serve the Eggplant alla Napolitana with a fresh salad and Italian bread for a complete and memorable meal.