Description:

Traditional baked eggplant main dish

Source:

Tracie. M

Serves/Makes: 4 or more

Ingredients

• 2 well ripened early to mid season eggplants (about 2 lbs (.9 kg).), peeled just before handling
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) water
• 1 cup (225 ml) fine dry breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (225 ml) all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) or 1 oz (28 grm). freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) slivered fresh basil leaves
• 2-1/2 cups (600 ml) tomato sauce or marinara
• 3/4 cup (175 ml) or 3 oz (84 grm). grated fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees (200 C.).
• Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.
• Coat an 8-by-11 1/2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• To prepare eggplant:
• Cut eggplants crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
• Whisk eggs with water in a shallow dish until frothy.
• Combine breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup (60 ml) Parmesan, salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
• Use another shallow dish for the flour.
• Dip the eggplant in flour to coat, with a fork, dip into egg and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. (Discard any leftover egg, flour and breadcrumbs.)
• Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake the eggplant slices for 15 minutes, turn them over and bake until crisp and golden, about 15 minutes more.
• To assemble casserole:
• Stir basil into tomato sauce.
• Spread about 1/2 cup (125 ml) of the sauce in the prepared baking dish.
• Arrange half the eggplant slices over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
• Spoon 1 cup (225 ml) of the remaining sauce over the eggplant and sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
• Layer on the remaining eggplant and top with the remaining sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake the casserole, at 400 degrees (200 C.) uncovered, until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden, 15 to 25 minutes.

Comments

A simple and traditonal Italian favorite, with a few short cuts to save time in the kitchen. Traditionally, making this dish was a family affair, everyone having a job in it's process. A fun dish to make with children or a few good friends.