Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

Step 1

If the eggplant has been refrigerated, remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to making to allow the eggplant to come to room temperature. This allows the batter mixture to evenly coat the eggplant slices. The same applies to tahini that has been refrigerated.  Remove the recipe amount and allow the tahini to come to room temperature.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 375 F.  Place the oven rack towards the middle, avoiding the lower oven rack placement.  If using two racks, keep them toward the center and upper position.

Step 3

Line a 14 x 20 baking sheet(s) with parchment paper, set aside.

Step 4

Place the Crumb Coating Ingredients into a large bowl, stir to combine, set aside.

Step 5

Make the batter by placing an equal amount of water and tahini into a small bowl – whisk together. It will turn the tahini a lighter white color and get very thick. Then add an additional tablespoon of water. This additional tablespoon should create a nice runny consistency. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to create a thin pancake type batter.

Step 6

Place the eggplant slices into a large bowl, drizzle the tahini/water batter over the eggplant slices. Use your hands to get the tahini batter on all sides of the eggplant slices.  Wash your hands.

Step 7

Pick up and place one batter-coated eggplant slice into the crumb-coating bowl, sprinkle the crumb coating all over it, slightly press the crumb coating onto the eggplant, shake it off, then place it on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.  Continue until all the eggplant slices are coated with the crumb coating.  You may need two large baking sheets.  Do not overlap the slices on the baking sheets as they will steam instead of crisping up if they don’t have room to breathe.

Step 8

Bake in a 375 F oven for 20 to 21 minutes. See notes.  If using two baking sheets, rotate half-way.

Step 9

Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce or use our Easy Healthy Marinara Sauce and topped with your favorite Vegan Parmesan Cheese or use our Vegan Parmesan Cheese.