Local food map Naples (Italy)
Naples guides
Recipes 12
Pick a recipe
All Naples recipes
Eggplant Parmesan — traditional dish from Naples, Italy
Main course Vegetarian

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥650kcal
💪23gProtein
🌾40gCarbs
🥑45gFat
🌿6gFibre
⚖️400 gServing

* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten 🥛 Dairy

Eggplant Parmesan

How to order / say it
Say it Melanzane alla Parmigiana — [Meh-lahn-ZAH-neh ahl-lah pah-mee-JAH-nah]
Order I'd like the eggplant Parmesan, please.
Locally Vorrei le melanzane alla parmigiana, per favore.
Say locally

Layers of fried eggplant baked with tomato sauce and cheese.

Why try it?

This dish showcases the creativity and robust vegetarian offerings of Naples. It's a comforting reflection of southern Italian tradition.

How it tastes

Experience a delightful contrast of soft, creamy eggplant with the savory, rich taste of tomato sauce and melted cheese. The layers blend together in each bite with aromatic herbs adding depth.

Origin & History — first documented: 1750

Origins trace back to the 18th century in Naples and the surrounding regions. It became a beloved staple by using abundant local eggplants and Italian cheese, ensuring each region could adapt it to local tastes and available ingredients.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥕 500 g eggplant
  • 🥕 400 g tomato sauce
  • 🥛 100 g parmesan cheese
  • 🥛 150 g mozzarella cheese
  • 🌿 10 g fresh basil
  • 🫒 3 tbsp olive oil

Method

  1. 1 Slice eggplant, salt, and let sit to release moisture.
  2. 2 Fry eggplant slices in olive oil until golden.
  3. 3 In a baking dish, layer eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheeses.
  4. 4 Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes.

More from Naples

Sfogliatella © Wikimedia Commons
Dessert Vegetarian

Sfogliatella

sfow-lya-TEL-la

Traditional pastry with flaky layers and ricotta cheese filling.
Neapolitan Pizza © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Vegetarian

Neapolitan Pizza

Pizza Napoletana
PEE-tsa NA-po-le-TA-na

A traditional wood-fired pizza with a thin crust, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Buffalo Mozzarella © Wikimedia Commons
Starter Vegetarian

Buffalo Mozzarella

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana
moht-sah-REL-lah dee BOOF-ah-lah kahm-PAH-nah

Fresh, soft cheese made from Italian buffalo's milk, rich and creamy.
Margherita Pizza © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Vegetarian

Margherita Pizza

Pizza Margherita
PEE-tsa Mar-ghuh-REE-tah

Classic Neapolitan pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Pasta and Potatoes with Provolone
Main course Vegetarian

Pasta and Potatoes with Provolone

Pasta e patate con provola
PAH-stah eh pah-TAH-teh kon PROH-voh-lah

A comforting dish of pasta, potatoes, and provolone cheese.
Pasta e Fagioli © Wikimedia Commons
Soup Vegetarian

Pasta e Fagioli

PAHS-tah eh fah-JO-lee

A hearty soup made with pasta and beans.
Fried Pizza © Wikimedia Commons
Street food Vegetarian

Fried Pizza

Pizza fritta
PEET-sah FREE-tah

A deep-fried, folded pizza stuffed with ricotta, tomato, and mozzarella.
Spaghetti with Clams © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Fish & Seafood

Spaghetti with Clams

Spaghetti alle vongole
spah-GEHT-tee ahl-leh VON-goh-leh

A pasta dish with fresh clams, garlic, and white wine.
Pastiera © Wikimedia Commons
Dessert Vegetarian

Pastiera

Pastiera Napoletana
pah-STEE-eh-rah na-po-le-TA-na

A traditional Easter cake made with ricotta cheese, wheat berries, and citrus.
Neapolitan Ragu © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Meat

Neapolitan Ragu

Ragù Napoletano
rah-GOO nah-poh-leh-TA-no

Slow-cooked tomato meat sauce with beef and pork.
All Europe recipes — Italy — Naples — Eggplant Parmesan
keyboard_arrow_up