Pumpkin Parmigiana
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Neapolitan pumpkin | 1 kg |
| Tomato passata | 750 g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh basil | To taste |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 220 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| All-purpose flour | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Peanut oil | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
Start by preparing the tomato sauce. In a saucepan, heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic clove. Once the oil is hot and the garlic begins to release its aroma, pour in the tomato passata. Season with salt and add fresh basil leaves. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens and becomes concentrated. Remove from heat once it has reached a rich, reduced consistency. -
Prepare the Pumpkin:
While the sauce is cooking, peel the pumpkin and cut it into slices. Dip each slice into the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour. Heat the peanut oil in a large pan and fry the pumpkin slices until golden and crispy on both sides. Be careful not to burn the slices. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. -
Assemble the Parmigiana:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (static mode). In a baking dish, spread a spoonful of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the fried pumpkin slices in the dish, creating a layer. Top with grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a few fresh basil leaves. Repeat this layering process until all the pumpkin slices are used, finishing the top layer with the remaining grated Parmigiano. -
Bake:
Place the assembled pumpkin parmigiana in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes until golden and bubbling. After baking, switch the oven to grill mode and let the top brown for a few extra minutes. -
Serve:
Once the parmigiana is golden and the cheese has melted beautifully, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your savory, comforting Pumpkin Parmigiana!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approx. 330 kcal per serving
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fats: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
This Pumpkin Parmigiana is a perfect vegetarian main course, with the sweet, earthy flavor of pumpkin perfectly complementing the richness of the tomato sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano. The crispy pumpkin layers make this dish a unique twist on the traditional Parmigiana, providing a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
