I have loved eggplant parmigiana (or eggplant parmesan, if you prefer) since I was a child. Back then, it was a special treat when we went to the dentist. Yes, the dentist!
There was a restaurant near my dentist’s office called Pippo’s (which is now, sadly, gone), that made the best eggplant parmigiana I have ever tasted. Mom tried her best to get the recipe, but without much luck. Drat!
Still, it was an incentive to have good checkups, so we could go out to lunch afterward! I’m sure we were the only kids in the neighborhood who looked forward to going to the dentist!
The restaurant, naturally, made it in huge batches, but this eggplant parmesan recipe is perfectly sized for one person. It’s quick, easy, and delicious. You can put the whole thing together in about thirty minutes.
I did “cheat” and use sauce in a jar, rather than making my own, but so what. I do often make my own, but I didn’t have any handy, and I don’t feel the least bit guilty either.
When picking out your eggplant at the store, choose a light one (in weight, not color). The heavier ones have more seeds and are more likely to be bitter.
I know there is controversy about whether or not to salt the eggplant first. Some say it’s a must, to draw out the bitterness, and to cut down on the oil (eggplant does love to soak up oil). Others say don’t bother. I didn’t bother. One reason being that it takes time (and I was hungry), another being that I prefer less salt anyway.
Either way, just slice the eggplant very thin, dip it in egg, then flour (I used rice flour, but you can use the regular kind), and fry the slices in olive oil.
Top those with your favorite spaghetti sauce
Since it’s an eggplant parmesan for one recipe, you don’t have to heat up the whole oven (and the whole kitchen).
I served it with some fresh basil on top and a simple green leaf salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette.
Eggplant Parmesan Recipe for One
Easy eggplant parmesan for one
Ingredients
- 3-4 T olive oil
- 8-10 slices eggplant, sliced thin
- 1/2 beaten egg
- flour for dredging (about 3-4 T)
- 1/3 C spaghetti sauce
- 3-4 slices fresh mozzarella or about a dozen mozzarella "pearls"
- small sprig of basil
Instructions
- Remove the tray from your toaster oven, and preheat the toaster oven to 400 degrees.
- Rinse the eggplant and cut about 8-10 thin slices. Then, beat the egg in a small bowl and divide into two portions. You'll use half the egg for this recipe and save the rest for something else (like an omelette or frittata).
- Measure the flour and pour that into a second small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Next, take a medium sized frying pan and set it on medium-high heat. Once it starts to warm, add about 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.
- Dip the eggplant slices twice, first in the egg, and then in the seasoned flour. Try to keep one hand dry so the mixture doesn't stick to your fingers.
- When all the eggplant slices have been dipped, fry them gently in the olive oil, turning them once, until they are brown on both sides. Add more oil if necessary.
- Remove the eggplant slices and set them on the toaster oven tray. Top with spaghetti sauce, then the mozzarella.
- Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce heats up. Garnish with fresh basil.
More Eggplant Recipes
Sichuan Chinese Chicken and Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Why bother schlepping for takeout when you can make this spicy, garlicky favorite right at home? It’s a lot easier than you think (tastes better too).
Pasta alla Norma with Eggplant
Pasta tossed with fresh eggplant, a slightly spicy tomato sauce, and topped with manchego cheese. Great when you’re in a hurry, as it takes under 30 minutes to make.
Leftover Roast Lamb Eggplant and Spinach Salad
Luscious lamb, crisp cucumbers, creamy eggplant, and earthy spinach, all topped with an easy garlicky aioli.
Moussaka Without Bechamel Sauce Recipe
Standard moussaka is a lot of work and steps. This one is just as tasty, but a lot easier to make. Flavored with spicy/warm cinnamon and nutmeg, tender eggplant, ground beef, and tomatoes.
Ugghhhh
There is no flour amount listed in the ingredients.
Why don’t people proofread before posting things?!
I guess I’ll just wing it.
Disappointed….
I do proofread. However, occasionally, I, like everyone else, make an error or miss something. I’ve added the flour amount into the recipe list.