How many calories are in eggplant parmigiana?

How Many Calories Are in Eggplant Parmigiana?

Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish that has become a staple in many restaurants and homes around the world. The dish typically consists of breaded and fried eggplant slices topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served hot and bubbly. But, have you ever wondered how many calories are in this delicious dish?

Direct Answer: How Many Calories Are in Eggplant Parmigiana?

The calorie count of Eggplant Parmigiana can vary greatly depending on the recipe, portion size, and cooking method. However, on average, a serving of Eggplant Parmigiana (about 3-4 slices of eggplant) can range from 300 to 600 calories.

Breakdown of Calories in Eggplant Parmigiana

Here’s a breakdown of the calories in Eggplant Parmigiana:

• Eggplant: 1 medium eggplant slice contains about 25-30 calories.
• Breading: 1 cup of breadcrumbs can add an extra 100-150 calories.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil can add an extra 120-140 calories.
• Marinara Sauce: 1 cup of marinara sauce can add an extra 120-150 calories.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese can add an extra 250-300 calories.
• Salt and Pepper: negligible calories

Factors Affecting Calorie Count

Several factors can affect the calorie count of Eggplant Parmigiana:

• Eggplant size: Larger eggplant slices can increase the calorie count.
• Breading type: Using lighter breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs can reduce the calorie count.
• Olive oil amount: Using less olive oil can reduce the calorie count.
• Marinara sauce brand: Some marinara sauces can be higher in sugar and calories than others.
• Cheese amount: Using more mozzarella cheese can increase the calorie count.

Tips to Reduce Calorie Count

If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count of your Eggplant Parmigiana, try these tips:

• Use lighter breading: Switch to lighter breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
• Use less olive oil: Use a small amount of olive oil or try baking the eggplant instead of frying.
• Choose a lower-sugar marinara sauce: Opt for a marinara sauce with less added sugar.
• Use less cheese: Reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese used in the recipe.
• Portion control: Serve smaller portions to reduce overall calorie intake.

Nutritional Information

Here is a sample nutritional breakdown for a serving of Eggplant Parmigiana (3-4 slices of eggplant):

Conclusion

In conclusion, the calorie count of Eggplant Parmigiana can vary greatly depending on the recipe and cooking method. However, by using lighter breading, less olive oil, and choosing a lower-sugar marinara sauce, you can reduce the calorie count of this delicious dish. Remember to practice portion control and choose a serving size that’s right for you.