Recipe by Job & Perry: Melanzane alla Parmigiana with beer (surprisingly delicious!)

Job & Perry, the chefs and TV cooks you probably know from 24Kitchen, have published an awesome ‘klootzak-proof’ cookbook, featuring, among other things, the best grilled cheese sandwich of all time (yes, you’ll want to make that soon, believe me). Their Melanzane alla Parmigiana is also one of my favorite recipes. Why? The addition of beer and the absurdly delicious eggplant. Do try this at home!

The baked dish Melanzane alla Parmigiana contains all the beautiful flavors of Italy, with the star of the show being: fried, creamy eggplant.

How to make Job & Perry’s Melanzane alla Parmigiana

1. Heat the olive oil over low to medium heat and fry the garlic cloves in it. Add the peeled tomatoes and mash them. Add the sugar, chili flakes and a pinch of salt and reduce until the sauce turns darker and becomes sweeter (that’s when the sugars start to caramelize).
2. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and leave for 10 minutes until they have released enough moisture. Pat dry with paper towels and set aside.
3. For the batter, mix the flour, eggs and beer and whisk with a whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Preheat the oven to 190 °C and heat a layer of frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 180 °C. Coat the eggplant slices in the batter and fry them in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of the baking dish, followed by a layer of fried eggplant. Tear a ball of mozzarella over the eggplant, followed by some basil leaves, and grate some Parmesan over it as well. Repeat and finish with sauce and cheese. Set aside some Parmesan and basil for garnish.
6. Bake the melanzane for about 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 30 minutes. Garnish with the remaining basil and some more Parmesan.

Title: Job & Perry – A Klootzak-Proof Cookbook
Author: Job Pattinasarany and Perry de Man
Price: €29,99
Publisher: Carrera

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