Roasted Eggplant Parmesan with Crispy Quinoa Crust
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this Roasted Eggplant Parmesan featuring a unique, crispy quinoa crust. This dish marries the traditional savory notes of Parmesan cheese and the creamy texture of eggplant with the nutty crunch of quinoa, creating a delightful and nutritious twist on a classic.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Brush for olive oil
Ingredients
- 2 medium Eggplants about 2 lbs or 900g, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup Quinoa cooked and cooled
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, grated Parmesan cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet.
- Generously top each eggplant slice with the quinoa mixture, pressing it down gently to adhere.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the quinoa crust is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each slice. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the quinoa crust mixture. The crispiness of the quinoa crust is best enjoyed immediately after baking.