In the world of international cuisine, Italian recipes stand out for their rich flavors, simplicity, and timeless appeal. One such dish that combines these elements is the classic eggplant parmesan. While it might seem like a time - consuming endeavor, there's a 30 - minute version that can bring the taste of Italy right to your kitchen table. And the secret ingredient that takes this dish from good to great? Aged Parmesan cheese.

Let's first understand the magic of aged Parmesan. The longer cheese is aged, the more umami it develops. Umami, often referred to as the fifth taste, is a savory, deep - seated flavor that can elevate any dish. When you age Parmesan, the enzymes break down the proteins and fats in the cheese, creating a complex and intense flavor profile. This aged cheese is not just a topping; it's a flavor enhancer that can transform the entire dish.

Now, let's dive into the 30 - minute eggplant parmesan recipe. To start, you'll need a few key ingredients. First, get some fresh eggplants. Choose eggplants that are firm, with smooth skin and a deep purple color. The fresher the eggplant, the better the texture and taste of your final dish. You'll also need some marinara sauce. You can make your own from scratch, but if you're short on time, a good quality store - bought sauce will do just fine. And of course, the star of the show, aged Parmesan cheese.

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare the eggplants. Wash the eggplants and slice them into 1/2 - inch thick rounds. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process helps to draw out any excess moisture from the eggplants, which will prevent them from becoming soggy during cooking.

After 10 minutes, pat the eggplant slices dry with another paper towel. In a shallow dish, combine some flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, in a separate shallow dish, beat an egg. Dip the floured eggplant slices in the beaten egg. Finally, in a third shallow dish, place some breadcrumbs. Coat the egg - dipped eggplant slices with the breadcrumbs.

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded eggplant slices to the skillet. Cook them for about 2 - 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the cooked eggplant slices from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Now, it's time to assemble the eggplant parmesan. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of cooked eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese and grated aged Parmesan cheese over the eggplant slices. Then, add another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat the layers until all the eggplant slices are used up, finishing with a generous amount of mozzarella and aged Parmesan cheese on top.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. While the eggplant parmesan is baking, you can prepare a simple side salad. Combine some fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. This will add a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty eggplant parmesan.

Once the eggplant parmesan is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The flavors will meld together as it rests, making each bite even more delicious. Serve the eggplant parmesan hot, with the side salad on the side. You can also pair it with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti, to complete the Italian dining experience.

In conclusion, this 30 - minute eggplant parmesan recipe is a perfect example of how you can enjoy a delicious Italian meal without spending hours in the kitchen. By splurging on some aged Parmesan cheese, you can really make the flavors pop and create a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, the next time you're in the mood for some international cuisine, give this recipe a try and unleash the umami in your kitchen.