Go Back
+ servings

Parmigiana di Zucchine

A delicious Italian dish made with layers of zucchini, marinara sauce, and cheese, baked to perfection.
Print Pin
Course: Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: baked, Parmigiana, zucchini
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Zucchini Layers

  • 4 medium Zucchini Sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
  • 1 teaspoon Salt For sweating the zucchini
  • 1 cup All-purpose Flour For dredging
  • 2 large Eggs Beaten
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Italian seasoned preferred
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese For layering and topping
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded, for layering

Marinara Sauce

  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Olive Oil For sautéing garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Basil Chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini

  • Slice the zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds. This thickness allows for even cooking and layering.
  • Sprinkle the zucchini slices with salt and place them in a colander for about 20 minutes. This process, known as 'sweating', helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
  • After 20 minutes, rinse the zucchini slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Bread the Zucchini

  • Set up a dredging station: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes.
  • Dip each zucchini slice first in the flour, shaking off excess, then in the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy exterior when baked.

Fry the Zucchini

  • Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add enough olive oil to cover the bottom.
  • Once the oil is hot, fry the breaded zucchini slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
  • Transfer the fried zucchini to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce

  • In a small saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the marinara sauce and dried oregano, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Assemble the Parmigiana

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  • Layer half of the fried zucchini slices over the sauce, followed by half of the marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Bake the Dish

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set.

Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top before serving for added flavor and presentation.
  • Serve warm, ideally with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can grill the zucchini instead of frying. This dish can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 800mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1000IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 2mg