This Creamy Vegetable Parmesan Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish loaded with hearty eggplant, mushrooms, and fresh vegetables. With a luscious cream sauce and plenty of Parmesan cheese, it’s perfect as a vegetarian main course or a side dish. Quick to prepare and rich in flavor, it’s a versatile recipe for any occasion.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Vegetables:
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 7 mushrooms, sliced
- Cream Sauce:
- 350 ml (1 ½ cups) milk cream
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- A small bunch of parsley, chopped
- 200 grams (1 ¾ cups) Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Slice the eggplant and sprinkle salt over it. Let sit for 15 minutes to remove bitterness.
- Rinse under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper finely.
- Peel and dice the tomatoes.
- Slice the mushrooms.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add carrot and bell pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add Eggplant and Mushrooms:
- Add eggplant slices and mushrooms to the pan, mixing well with the other vegetables.
- Simmer with Milk Cream:
- Pour in the milk cream.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in chopped parsley and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve warm as a main dish or side.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding herbs like thyme or basil.
- For a lower-calorie version, use half-and-half or light cream instead of milk cream.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggplant: Low in calories, high in fiber, and contains antioxidants.
- Mushrooms: Provide essential B vitamins and minerals.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds calcium and protein.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Gluten-free
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with fresh vegetables.
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Versatile and pairs well with various sides.
- A satisfying way to enjoy a variety of nutritious vegetables.
Conclusion
This Creamy Vegetable Parmesan Skillet is a flavorful, cheesy dish that’s sure to impress. It’s easy to make, nutrient-packed, and customizable with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Whether served as a main or side dish, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Try it today and elevate your meal with this creamy, comforting recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli work well.
- Can I make it vegan? Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan.
- How can I thicken the sauce? Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Can I freeze this dish? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month.
- What’s the best substitute for Parmesan? Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Can I add protein? Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, substitute with diced canned tomatoes.
- Is there a low-fat option? Use light cream or skim milk with cornstarch for thickness.
- What’s the best cheese substitute? Grated mozzarella or Gruyère are great alternatives.
- How do I prevent the eggplant from being bitter? Salting and rinsing the slices remove bitterness.