As a result, the process will take much quicker and you are less likely to accidentally cut yourself. Required fields are marked *, Copyright 2023 All about parmesan. I love to reheat the leftover eggplant in the microwave or in a 350F oven for 5-10 minutes, and then add it to a hoagie roll to make an Eggplant Parmesan sandwich. Place the eggplant parmesan slices in the air fryer basket so they are not overlapping and spray lightly with cooking oil spray or brush with oil. The best way to bread the slices without them getting too heavy is to use00 flour. There is some variation from region to region on the best cheese to use in eggplant Parmesan. Layer with eggplant slices. I definitely encourage you to pull the moisture out of the eggplant as a prep step and if you are going to bread the eggplant, you definitely should fry it up immediately after otherwise the breadcrumbs start to get soggy. Peel eggplant and cut into 1 cubes. First, when shopping for an eggplant, look for a vegetable with smooth, shiny skin thats uniform in color and heavy for its size. Season with a light sprinkle of salt all over both sides of the eggplant. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. The skin is entirely edible, though with larger eggplants it can be a little tough. By not salting the vegetable, it retains its shape more and has a slightly firmer texture. Step. Layer the rest of the sliced mozzarella over the sauce. Do you have to peel an eggplant make egg plant parmasian? Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Add a layer of eggplant slices (I was only able to fit about 3 a layer) then using a 1/4 cup, dollop marinara sauce on top of the eggplant slices. Do You Peel Eggplant For Eggplant Parmesan : Top Picked from our Experts Looking to add some more veggies to the meal? Always peel along the length of the eggplant (top to bottom) rather than peeling across the width (side to side). December 22, 2011. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. And in the case of eggplant Parmesan, the most important factor is the flour dredge. Posted by: tomcat. 5 Preheat the oven to 375. You dont. Peel the eggplant and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices. Let the eggplant rounds sit and release moisture for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours. How do we pull moisture out of the eggplant? Wonderful! Meanwhile, thoroughly combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium bowl. While the peel has many nutrients, it can be bitter, but if you remove the peel, the slices become mushy and lose their form. are they slices? Its down-home, country-style cooking! Pour a little marinara in the bottom of the pan and spread around Of course you peel it off. This can help the eggplant stay crisp after cooking because it removes some moisture before it has a chance to create sogginess. Sharpen your knives before making eggplant Parmesan to get the perfect slice. Bake in preheated oven for 15 - 20 minutes. Eggplant should be sliced about 1/4 inch thick when making eggplant parmesan. Do you have to peel an eggplant make egg plant parmasian? As far as the nutrients are considered, eggplant skin has a higher nutritional value, so if its thin, do eat the skin. Undercooked eggplant will ruin your eggplant Parmesan. Place in colander and sprinkle with salt. Instructions Salt the top side of your eggplant slices and place them on a wire rack on a baking sheet. People often prefer to peel larger eggplants because of this, but smaller eggplants do just fine unpeeled. Flip them halfway through. Advertisement. i would think salting them to pull more liquid out would work too but again, i haven't worked with frozen eggplant before so i can't be 100% on that part. 4. Called parmigiana, parmigiana di melanzane, or melanzane alla parmigiana in Italian, the dish is thought to have originated in the Southern regions of Campania and Sicily. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. All good things come to those who wait, and this has never been truer than in the kitchen. Itd be a great meatless Monday meal. And while the classic recipe is amazing, you can also try new ways to reinvent eggplant Parmesan. This particular quick and easy eggplant parmesan recipe is a meal that busy moms can prepare without too much fuss. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. In the first dish, stir together flour, salt and pepper. The salt helps draw moisture out of the eggplant. Choose a medium size to small eggplant for best results. The dish should be finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese. Coat each side of the eggplant with the flour. Step. You can try grilling the eggplant instead of frying it. so here's what I do: To test for ripeness, lightly press a finger against the skin. However, as the eggplant grows bigger and matures, the peel may become tough and bitter. Peel the eggplant and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices. Share via Email, #wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #c6a42d; }#wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-1-33); }#wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-1-50); }#wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-1-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-1-33 stop { stop-color: #c6a42d; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-1-50 stop { stop-color: #c6a42d; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-1-66 stop { stop-color: #c6a42d; }. Repeat the layer once more: eggplant, marinara, mozzarella and Parmesan. Lay the eggplant slices out on a rack over a rimmed sheet pan (or on several layers of paper towels). Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Reduce the oven to 350F and bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges, about 35 minutes. Are you considering peeling your eggplant for eggplant parmesan Here are some reasons why you might want to do so: Peel the skin away to get a more even texture. Peel eggplant and cut into -inch thick slices. Add flour, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and mint. Simply cut off the end and slice into large, 1/4-inch thick circles. By Jack Gloop WebDeselect All. Always peel along the length of the eggplant (top to bottom) rather than peeling across the width (side to side). But you can make it from crushed tomatoes too. Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it? WebPeel the eggplant and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices. This recipe was originally published in June, 2017. Peel the skin away to get rid of any browned spots. One common mistake many make with eggplant Parmesan is slicing the eggplant into thick, heavy slices. Mix well. Toss with olive oil and roast 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until eggplant is golden and tender. Add 3/4 cup of marinara sauce to the base of the casserole dish and spread to coat the bottom. Add up to 3 additional minced garlic cloves. Pre-heat your oven to 400F and lightly grease a sheetpan, as well as a 9 x 12 casserole dish with butter or pam spray. Letting it rest lets it firm up so you can slice it and see the layers on each slice. Step. Should I peel my eggplant for eggplant parmesan? Eggplant should be sliced about 1/4 inch thick when making eggplant parmesan. Eggplant Nutrition Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Unfortunately, this is a common mistake when making eggplant Parmesan, and it's easy to see why. Cut the leftover eggplant parmesan into slices, if necessary. You can read the comments below and see that those who took the extra step did not regret it! Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds. With the air pockets full of moisture, theres not as much room for the oil to soak in. Its pulling out most of the moisture. Layer the eggplant slices in a single layer (they can overlap slightly to fit), then top with sauce and cheese. Is it better to peel eggplant for eggplant parmesan? I buy as many beautiful eggplants as I can carry from the farmers market, partially peel them, and slice them 1/4 ro 1/2 inch thick, salt them, and fill up my food dehydrator with them. How long does eggplant last in fridge? Repeat layer and cover with foil. It is difficult to overcook eggplant. The standard answer is yes; you should peel the eggplant. cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided teaspoon dried basil Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Another reason you should let it rest is that it gives the flavors a chance to rest together. However, as the eggplant grows bigger and matures, the peel may become tough and bitter. Pour marinara sauce over eggplant and top with mozzarella cheese. Let the eggplant rounds sit and release moisture for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours. Add flour, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and mint. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Simply cut off the end and slice into large, 1/4-inch thick circles. WebExplore Do You Peel Eggplant For Eggplant Parmesan with all the useful information below including suggestions, reviews, top brands, and related recipes, and more. If the pastella is too thick, you can add more water. I didnt have cornflake crumbs so I used Panko. WebThe peel of an eggplant is completely edible. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Posted by: tomcat. All rights reserved. In short, no, you do not have to peel the skin off of the eggplant before using it. Peel eggplant and cut into 1 cubes. Set out two rimmed sheet pans. Add the water and stir. Grandmas recipe is definitely a keeper. Dip each slice in egg and coat with crumb mixture. How do you cook eggplant without getting soggy? Flip and bake for 5 more minutes. Throughout Italy,different regions have their own versions of the dish, remaking it with local cheeses and ingredients. Set aside for 45 minutes, then pat each slice dry with a paper towel. 5 cups fresh breadcrumbs The best way to keep the structure without losing texture is to peel the eggplant in stripes. If you have ever eaten pasta in Italy or eaten in a truly Italian restaurant in the U.S., one thing that you may have noticed is the sauce. Top with the remaining sauce and the remaining Parmesan. Spread 1 cup of the tomato sauce over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. FAQ: How To Make Garlic And Parmesan Wings? Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh oregano. And extra virgin olive oil, which has the best flavor for salad and dips, isn't ideal for frying because it has a low smoke point. It ends up being a matter of personal cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided teaspoon dried basil Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Simply cut off the end and slice into large, 1/4-inch thick circles. Ahanov Michael/Shutterstock. The milk not only tempers the bitterness, but it actually makes for eggplant that is extra creamy, since the vegetable acts like a sponge and soaks up a good amount of milk in its flesh. Let sit 1 hour to release moisture. When my aunt recently passed along my grandmothers old recipe box, I spent hours pouring over all of her recipes. If you freeze the eggplant parmesan in a glass or ceramic casserole dish, then youd have to let it sit out on at room temperature before putting it in the oven and by then, your ingredients will all be melting and soggy. How do you make eggplant parmesan from scratch? December 22, 2011. Arrange eggplant in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet and spray with oil. This post may contain affiliate links. When your eggplant slices have finished draining liquid, brush off the excess salt with a damp paper towel, as you don't want it to be too salty! You dont. Add the minced basil and remove from heat. The pastella is supposed to be about the consistency of pancake batter. The peel of an eggplant is completely edible. The peel of an eggplant is completely edible. Get free recipes sent straight into your inbox! 1 Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick slices. Eggplant Nutrition Line two large sheet trays with paper towels and lay the slices on top in a single layer. Assemble the casserole the day before serving as described in Steps 1 through 7 (skip preheating the oven), but don't bake it. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Step 1: Salt the Eggplant. Prepare a quick breading station, mixing the flour with the salt and pepper in a bowl, whisking the eggs with a fork in a second bowl, and finally mixing the breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan in a third bowl. "If it's a larger vegetable, the skin tends to be thicker and harder to chew. 31.05.2021. Lay half of the eggplant slices in a single layer in the dish. Add the minced garlic and gently cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Spray a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. When you are cooking and have multiple things happening at once in the kitchen, it's easy to want to rush through and multitask to get everything done. Preheat the oven to 400F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. The peel of an eggplant is completely edible. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }. Place the eggplant parmesan slices in the air fryer basket so they are not overlapping and spray lightly with cooking oil spray or brush with oil. November 6, 2022. Otherwise, youd be suffocating the breading with the heat and condensation so then itd turn the breading soggy. Flip them halfway through. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and 2 tablespoons water. Bake for 20 minutes; flip the slices over, and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a shallow dish, beat eggs. And when you are salting eggplant for frying, it takes a lot more than just a quick sprinkle and rinse. While the peel has many nutrients, it can be bitter, but if you remove the peel, the slices become mushy and lose their form. If youd like to use your own recipe or store-bought sauce, youll need the same amount (48 ounces). I will only make this one. Super easy and very tasty was afraid it might have been soft and gooey but it was not. It ends up being a matter of personal preference. Instructions Salt the top side of your eggplant slices and place them on a wire rack on a baking sheet. To salt, or not to salt? If you have trouble finding Sicilian eggplant in your supermarket, though, you can also use American eggplant for the dish since it is more widely available year-round. However, as the eggplant grows bigger and matures, the peel may become tough and bitter. Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it? The Globe or American eggplant is the kind that most are familiar with, both from the supermarket and the emoji. Those who took the extra step did not regret it and Im sure you wont either! One that instantly jumped out at me was the handwritten Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe on a weathered piece of yellow legal paper. Bake. WebMike's Deli Famous Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe | Food Network best www.foodnetwork.com. In a 913 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Repeat the layer once more: eggplant, marinara, mozzarella and Parmesan. Heads up: once you make it this way, this is the ONLY way youll want to make your eggplant parmesan in the future. Coat each side of the eggplant with the flour. Peel eggplant and cut into -inch thick slices. Layer the eggplant slices in a single layer (they can overlap slightly to fit), then top with sauce and cheese. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 375 degrees F. Spread about 1 cup of the sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. You ll see beads of moisture start to form on the surface of the eggplant as it sits. It ends up being a matter of personal preference. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Keep from overcrowding the pan by working in small batches. Spoon marinara sauc e on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. The breading creates a barrier to help keep them from absorbing too much oil, but using the right kind of oil is also important. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, and basil; season with salt and pepper. Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Meanwhile, prepare your ricotta mixture. The skin is entirely edible, though with larger eggplants it can be a little tough. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and serve. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, and basil; season with salt and pepper. Dip both sides of eggplant slice into milk/egg mixture then cover with breadcrumbs, shaking off the excess. Add 3/4 cup of marinara sauce to the base of the casserole dish and spread to coat the bottom. Working one at a time, dredge eggplant slices in flour mixture, dip in egg mixture, and then coat in bread crumb mixture. The peel of an eggplant is completely edible. Are you considering peeling your eggplant for eggplant parmesan Here are some reasons why you might want to do so: Peel the skin away to get a more even texture. The original recipe calls for only one 28-ounce can of tomatoes; I've since doubled the sauce recipe to include two 28-ounce cans of tomatoes. Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Dip each slice of eggplant in the egg, then coat both sides in the bread crumb mixture. Spread 1 cup of the sauce over the eggplant rounds. Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish. An hour before baking, take it out of the refrigerator, preheat the oven, and bake as directed in Step 8. In a separate bowl beat 4 eggs and dip the eggplant into the egg to coat both sides. Your email address will not be published. Bread the eggplant: Rinse the salt from the eggplant slices and pat dry with paper towels. Advertisement. You mentioned that once they turned out tough and chewy: then they were not cooked fully through. The peel of an eggplant is completely edible. Ahanov Michael/Shutterstock. Dip each slice in egg and coat with crumb mixture. For one, tangy, acidic tomato sauce will overpower the taste, and the texture will suffer too. Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant rounds lightly with salt. If you suspect you may not eat it for another 5 days, you can always freeze it. Dip eggplant slices in beaten egg, then in bread crumbs to coat. My grandmothers easy Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a delicious vegetarian dinner with just 15 minutes of prep! I've made this recipe in the past and absolutely loved it. You can find the complete collection of recipes onYouTube,Facebook Watch, or ourFacebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes. Make the sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 4-quart saucepan on medium heat. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. To get right down to it, no, it is not necessary to peel an eggplant. Some creative chefs have taken to making little eggplant rollatini which has the same flavors as eggplant Parmesan, but instead of flat with layers, they roll up the eggplants with the cheese inside. Your email address will not be published. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease 1-2 large baking sheets. To get right down to it, no, it is not necessary to peel an eggplant. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. The texture of undercooked eggplant is tough and spongy at the same time. Pour melted butter into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish. In another medium-sized shallow dish, combine the Panko, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Ideally, the texture should be firm enough to sink your teeth into but with a crisp outside and a chewy inside. If you like this recipe you may also be interested in these other eggplant recipes: Watch the video belowwhere Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. omg this is amazing!!! Certain recipes just taste like home, and this simple eggplant parmesan is definitely one of those dinners. The salt pulls out the moisture from the eggplant and therefore, when you cover it with breadcrumbs and fry it, you will have a much crispier and less soggy eggplant parmesan dish. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe. Add the minced garlic and gently cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Yes, it will take longer, but perfection takes time, and if you want your eggplant slices to be perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, then don't make the mistake of overcrowding. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Do You Peel Eggplant For Eggplant Parmesan : Top Picked from our Experts Should I peel my eggplant for eggplant parmesan? To start, preheat your air fryer to 350F. I didnt like the texture. Cut the leftover eggplant parmesan into slices, if necessary. Sign up for my newsletter and get a free guide with 5 quick-prep dinners you can make tonight. WebMike's Deli Famous Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe | Food Network best www.foodnetwork.com. Eggplants should feel firm and dense or heavy. 5 Preheat the oven to 375. Crowding the pan with too many slices of eggplant may seem like a good idea to move quickly and get to the next step in the recipe, but it's not the time saver you think it is. Working one at a time, dredge the eggplant slices first in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and then dredge in the breadcrumb Parmesan cheese mixture. Okay, so the best method to make eggplant parmesan is to pull the moisture out of the eggplant prior to frying it. How long does eggplant last in fridge? The pastella is supposed to be about the consistency of pancake batter. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. So peeling the skin off and cubing it for roasting or sauting is the way to go," says Maria Covarrubias, in-house chef at Chosen Foods. Bake for 20 minutes; flip the slices over, and bake for an additional 15 minutes. 2 1/4 pounds globe eggplant (about 2 large), 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste, 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus more to oil the sheet pans, 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) diced, reserving the juices, or crushed tomatoes, 1/2cupfinely choppedfresh basil, packed, 1 1/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided, 1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch slices. In the traditional recipe, the sauce is pure and simple tomatoes puree and some basil and salt. Table for Two is a registered mark owned by Julie Chiou. Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it? This recipe makes 6 cups of homemade marinara sauce. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 375 degrees F. Spread about 1 cup of the sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Make the sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 4-quart saucepan on medium heat. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of shredded Parm. Place in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Let the salted eggplant sit for at least 1/2 hour or up to 1 1/2 hours. Layer with eggplant slices. This was the first time Ive made eggplant parmesan and this was absolutely delicious. By signing up you agree to thestayathomechef.com's terms of use and privacy policy. Peel the eggplant and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices. But when the eggplant is undercooked, it makes for a mouthful of unpleasantness. Instructions Salt the top side of your eggplant slices and place them on a wire rack on a baking sheet. This is myfavorite way to make eggplant parmesan. In a separate bowl beat 4 eggs and dip the eggplant into the egg to coat both sides. The pastella is supposed to be about the consistency of pancake batter. The bottom of the eggplant should be tilted away from you or to the side. Always peel along the length of the eggplant (top to bottom) rather than peeling across the width (side to side). This type of flour is light and has the consistency of fine baby powder. Lay half of the eggplant slices in a single layer in the dish. Adding oil to the layers is going to make a big mess. Ideally, you should not store it too long before you slice it up for eggplant Parmesan. My grandmother's easy Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious vegetarian dinner with just 15 minutes of prep! Its quick and easy to do so and you can enjoy delicious eggplant parm without feeling like there is plastic inside your meal. Kosher salt, as needed, plus 1 tablespoon. Once youre ready to bake it, I would let the casserole dish sit at room temperature while the oven is pre-heating. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Place in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Always peel along the length of the eggplant (top to bottom) rather than peeling across the width (side to side). Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. I reserved a seat at the table just for you. Before you get started, lets discuss the best way to prepare the eggplant for this dish. Add more breadcrumbs, if needed. It ends up being a matter of personal preference. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add all of the ricotta mixture ingredients. WebHow to Peel Eggplant for Eggplant Parmesan 997 views Dec 20, 2020 3 Dislike Share ExpertVillage Leaf Group 3.58M subscribers How to Peel Eggplant for Eggplant Parmesan. 4. Some of the pieces may start to look a little shriveled; this is fine. Prepare a quick breading station, mixing the flour with the salt and pepper in a bowl, whisking the eggs with a fork in a second bowl, and finally mixing the breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan in a third bowl. Place the breaded slices back on the rack. So if you're not careful you can end up with something mushy and oily. Spray a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Its an instant transport back to my childhood table. Spoon on marinara sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Spray a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Instructions. In another medium-sized shallow dish, combine the Panko, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Eggplant has a very mild flavor, like spaghetti squash. Heat the oven: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350F. Drizzle a little oil over the top of each breaded eggplant round. How do you make eggplant parmesan from scratch? Fresh mozzarella is a tasty choice, but it will add too much moisture to the dish. In another shallow dish, combine panko bread crumbs, parmesan, basil, and garlic powder. You want the slices to be uniform in thickness, but they only need to be about a inch thick. The extra prep step may not seem worth it to you, but trust me it absolutely is and makes a huge difference.