Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• Salt (for sweating the eggplant)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup flour
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Olive oil for frying
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to sweat out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare three separate dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
7. Place a layer of fried eggplant slices over the marinara sauce.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the eggplant.
9. Repeat layering with remaining eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheeses.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.