Why does eggplant parmesan exist?

[drinkmorejava]

It's clearly inferior to chicken parm.

Apparently the history is that meat was too expensive in Italy, so eggplant parm actually came first, but come on, why does anyone still make it.

 

[SunnyD]

Because it's good.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Sorry. Prefer the eggplant over the chicken. I made both versions at home too.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Because variety?

 

[Jaepheth]

Because apparently vegetarianism is a thing.

 

[DesiPower]

So that Indians (vegetarians) can eat something in Italian restaurants

 

[Genx87]

Because it is tasty?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Because apparently vegetarianism is a thing.

I'm not a vegan but I eat eggplant parm and other veg dishes. Some of these dishes are quite tasty and I actually prefer to meat dishes sometimes. Chicken is probably the most bland meat there is and I generally avoid it when dining out.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Sorry. Prefer the eggplant over the chicken. I made both versions at home too.

Same. There are many better ways to prepare chicken.

 

[crab]

Because people enjoy it?

If we're going to ask those questions, then we can ask why do any variation on dishes exist?

 

[ElFenix]

the secret to take-out eggplant parmesan is extra cheese.

 

[Cheesemoo]

Veal > chicken and eggplant

 

[destrekor]

I'm not a vegan but I eat eggplant parm and other veg dishes. Some of these dishes are quite tasty and I actually prefer to meat dishes sometimes. Chicken is probably the most bland meat there is and I generally avoid it when dining out.

Thus why the chicken is dressed up.

And if prepared correctly, and, most importantly, cooked correctly, that chicken will be tender and very moist. Take that along with plenty of cheese, and a fair helping of tomato sauce and spaghetti noodles, and you've got a great amount of flavor. Only boring chicken is bland, season it up before throwing it in a dish, and cook it properly.

Chicken is great protein to put into just about any flavor of dish, it'll only complement and mostly be hidden by the other flavors. Win-win in my book.

The only thing that beats that when it comes to those ingredients, is my hamburger and sausage slow-cook spaghetti, with a dash of cabernet in for good measure. Mmmm, so delicious.

 

[z1ggy]

So people who want to experience the chicken parm recipe, but don't eat meat, can do so. How is this even a real question?

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Because apparently vegetarianism is a thing.

Works for me, less meat demand = lower prices for me

 

[destrekor]

Works for me, less meat demand = lower prices for me

:thumbsup:

 

[Markbnj]

I have a slight allergy to eggplant that makes my throat itch when I eat it, which doesn't sadden me because I really can't stand the flavor at all. I mean drenching it in marinara and mozzarella is probably one of the few ways to make it edible, imo. That's one vegetable (fruit, maybe?) I just don't have any interest in. Like squash.

 

[Jaepheth]

I'm not a vegan but I eat eggplant parm and other veg dishes. Some of these dishes are quite tasty and I actually prefer to meat dishes sometimes. Chicken is probably the most bland meat there is and I generally avoid it when dining out.

A big part of the issue is industrial farming that grows cheap, tasteless meat.

 

[waffleironhead]

You ever hear of eggplant influenza? No, didn't think so.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Eggplant parm is like eating crunchy snot. Yes, I've tried both so the comparison is apt.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Eggplant parm is like eating crunchy snot. Yes, I've tried both so the comparison is apt.

You haven't yet commented on whether or not you like eggplant parm.

 

[NetWareHead]

It's clearly inferior to chicken parm.

Apparently the history is that meat was too expensive in Italy, so eggplant parm actually came first, but come on, why does anyone still make it.

Have you ever been to Italy? Pork and chicken are abundant and in the old days, practically every family had at least one pig plus chickens around. Practically every kitchen back then had sausages, salame, capicolla etc... hanging from the ceiling hooks to cure. In the southern parts, seafood is huge.

The story where meat was so expensive actually has to do with beef. There are only a few regions in Italy where beef is part of the culinary tradition. Italy being a mountainous country simply lacks the flat space for a large and intensive beef industry. When immigrants came to the united states, they found abundant beef in the markets and thats where the expensive meat story began.

Re: eggplant it is very prolific producer, especially in a hot climate. I grew 12 eggplant plants and was swimming in them by the end of the season. They are a cheap source of protein and will keep producing right until the first frost. They take well to baking, frying, roasting, sauteing and even pickling.

 

[Genx87]

A big part of the issue is industrial farming that grows cheap, tasteless meat.

Meat is pretty much tasteless minus the fattiest of cuts and has been since the beginning of time. Which is why we salt, season and uses sauces.

 

[Mixolydian]

It's really good.

 

[dank69]

Veal > chicken and eggplant

This.