What to Serve with Eggplant Parmigiana?
Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried eggplant slices topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and for good reason – it’s delicious! But what to serve with it to make it a well-rounded and satisfying meal? In this article, we’ll explore some popular options to consider.
Classic Combinations
Before we dive into some creative ideas, let’s start with the classics. Here are some traditional pairings that go well with Eggplant Parmigiana:
- Pasta: A simple spaghetti or linguine dish with marinara sauce is a natural pairing. You can also try a more substantial pasta dish like lasagna or rigatoni with meatballs.
- Garlic Bread: A crusty loaf of garlic bread is a classic Italian-American staple that pairs perfectly with Eggplant Parmigiana. Simply butter slices of bread, sprinkle with minced garlic, and bake until crispy.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy eggplant.
Vegetable Options
If you’re looking for some added nutrition and flavor, consider serving Eggplant Parmigiana with some roasted or sautéed vegetables. Here are some options:
- Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quickly cook a handful of spinach with garlic and lemon juice for a burst of flavor and nutrients.
- Grilled Asparagus: Brush asparagus spears with olive oil and grill until tender and slightly charred.
Protein Pairings
If you want to add some protein to your meal, here are some options that go well with Eggplant Parmigiana:
- Meatballs: Homemade or store-bought meatballs can be served on the side or even on top of the eggplant.
- Italian Sausage: Sliced Italian sausage can be pan-fried and served alongside the eggplant.
- Chicken Parmesan: For a more substantial meal, consider serving Chicken Parmesan alongside the eggplant.
Creative Twists
If you want to think outside the box, here are some creative twists to consider:
- Polenta: A creamy polenta can provide a nice contrast in texture to the crispy eggplant.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Thinly slice sweet potatoes and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
- Garlic Knots: These knots of dough, flavored with garlic and parsley, can be baked until golden and served on the side.
Table-Ready Options
Here’s a table summarizing some of the options mentioned above:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Pasta | Spaghetti or linguine with marinara sauce |
| Garlic Bread | Crusty loaf with butter and garlic |
| Green Salad | Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and vinaigrette |
| Roasted Broccoli | Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper |
| Sautéed Spinach | Quickly cooked with garlic and lemon juice |
| Grilled Asparagus | Brushed with olive oil and grilled |
| Meatballs | Homemade or store-bought |
| Italian Sausage | Sliced and pan-fried |
| Chicken Parmesan | Breaded and fried chicken breast |
| Polenta | Creamy and comforting |
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Thinly sliced and caramelized |
| Garlic Knots | Flavored with garlic and parsley |
Conclusion
Eggplant Parmigiana is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of options to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Whether you opt for classic combinations, vegetable options, protein pairings, or creative twists, there’s something for everyone. By considering the options outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and memorable meal.