BAKED WHOLE EGGPLANT RECIPES

Steps:

• Prepare the oven: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven, then line it with foil. (Alternatively, place a baking sheet on the rack to catch any drips.) Heat the oven to 350°F.
• Rinse and dry the eggplant: Rinse the eggplant under cool running water, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
• Bake the eggplant: Place the eggplant directly on the middle rack and bake until incredibly tender and the skin is wrinkly, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Cool and peel: Use tongs to remove the eggplant to a cutting board or wire rack and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, cut the eggplant in half and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh.

Steps:

• Cut 1 medium eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Sprinkle the slices with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and place in a large colander set over a bowl. Let sit until the eggplant releases about 2 tablespoons of liquid, 30 to 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, arrange a rack in the center of the oven and place a rimmed baking sheet on the rack. Heat the oven to 425°F. Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl. Place 2 large eggs in a second shallow bowl and whisk to break them up. Place 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian or za'atar seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a third shallow bowl and whisk until combined.
• Firmly press the eggplant slices between layers of paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. Working with 1 slice at a time, dip in the flour until well-coated, then shaking off excess. Dip into the eggs and let the excess drip off. Finally, dredge in the panko mixture, pressing to make sure the crumbs adhere. Place the breaded slices in a single layer on a plate.
• Remove the heated baking sheet from the oven. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and tilt until the bottom of the baking sheet is evenly coated. Place breaded eggplant on the baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake until well-browned and crisp on the bottom, about 20 minutes. Flip the slices and bake until crispy all over, 10 to 20 minutes more. Meanwhile coarsely chop 1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves.
• Sprinkle the parsley over the baked eggplant and serve with marinara sauce or labne for dipping.