Inspired by: @veganfoodcrazy
Craving the rich, comforting flavors of eggplant parmesan but short on time and energy? You're not alone! Traditional eggplant parm can be a labor of love, but what if you could enjoy that same deliciousness in just 15 minutes? This "Lazy Girl" Vegan Eggplant Parmesan recipe is your answer, offering a dairy-free, plant-based delight that's perfect for a quick meal or a satisfying snack. As one happy cook shared, "Thanks so much, this one is so easy to make!" Another enthusiast added, "That's another awesome recipe shared by you. Thank you š š"
This recipe solves the classic dilemma of wanting homemade comfort food without the extensive prep. Itās ideal for busy weeknights, a cozy lunch, or anyone looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful vegan Italian-inspired dish. Say goodbye to long hours in the kitchen and hello to instant gratification!
What You'll Need
Ingredients:
- 3 slices cooked breaded eggplant (Your "lazy girl" secret weapon! You can either buy frozen, pre-breaded eggplant or prepare a batch of vegan eggplant cutlets ahead of time and store them in your fridge or freezer.)
- 3 tablespoons vegan ricotta
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Vegan Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Fresh oregano (for garnish)
Get Cooking! (15 Minutes to Delicious)
Follow these simple steps to bring your Lazy Girl Eggplant Parmesan to life:
- If using frozen eggplant, warm the breaded slices in a pan for a few minutes on each side until heated through and lightly crispy.
- Arrange the warmed eggplant cutlets on a baking tray or in your toaster oven pan.
- Top each eggplant slice with a spoonful of vegan ricotta, spreading it out slightly.
- Bake in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375Ā°F (190Ā°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegan ricotta is warm and melty.
- While the eggplant bakes, gently heat the marinara sauce in a small pot on the stovetop.
- To serve, spread a little marinara sauce on a plate as a base. Layer the baked eggplant slices on top.
- Finish with more warm marinara sauce, a generous sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese, a dash of red pepper flakes if desired, and fresh oregano.
- Enjoy your incredibly easy and satisfying vegan eggplant parmesan!
Lazy Girl Hacks & Recipe Variations
This recipe is already designed for ultimate ease, but here are a few ways to customize and make it even more your own:
Lazy Girl Hacks:
- Meal Prep Magic: If you prefer making your own eggplant cutlets, dedicate an hour on a weekend to bake a large batch. Store them in the freezer, and you'll have instant ready-to-use eggplant for this recipe (and many others!) whenever a craving strikes.
- Toaster Oven Power: Don't underestimate the convenience of a toaster oven for this recipe. It heats up quickly and is perfect for individual portions, saving energy compared to a full-sized oven.
- Batch Marinara: Keep pre-made or homemade marinara sauce on hand. A good quality jarred sauce works perfectly for speed.
Flavorful Variations:
- Add Some Greens: Stir a handful of fresh spinach into your marinara sauce for added nutrients and color.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a touch of your favorite vegan hot sauce to the marinara for extra heat.
- Herb Power: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or parsley for different aromatic notes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your pre-breaded eggplant is certified gluten-free, or make your own gluten-free breaded eggplant cutlets.
- Mini Bites: Cut the eggplant slices into smaller pieces before assembling for adorable appetizer-sized bites perfect for parties.
More Easy Vegan Recipes to Explore on abillion
Looking for more quick, delicious, and plant-based meals? Discover other fantastic recipes from the abillion community:
- Elevate your Italian nights with this Easy Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta.
- Spice things up with Spicy 'Fish' Fragrant Eggplant for another flavorful eggplant experience.
- For a creamy and satisfying dish, try the Next-Level Creamy Vegan Orzo.
- Craving more cheesy goodness? Dive into Quick & Creamy Vegan Cheesy Pasta.
Get Cooking!
We hope you love this easy, quick, and satisfying Lazy Girl Vegan Eggplant Parmesan. It's proof that delicious comfort food doesn't have to take hours! Try this recipe today and share your creations with the abillion community! We'd love to see how you make this dish your own.
