EGGPLANT AND SPINACH RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Peel and slice eggplant lengthwise into fifteen 1/8-in.-thick slices. Place in a colander over a plate; sprinkle with salt and toss. Let stand 30 minutes., Meanwhile, for sauce, in a large saucepan, saute onion in oil. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in remaining sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until flavors are blended, stirring occasionally, 20-25 minutes. Rinse and drain eggplant., In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients; set aside., Place eggs in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Dip eggplant in eggs, then bread crumb mixture., In an electric skillet or deep skillet, heat 1/2 in. of oil to 375°. Fry eggplant in batches until golden brown, 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels., Preheat oven to 375°. Spoon 1 cup sauce into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spread 2 rounded tablespoons filling over each eggplant slice. Carefully roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce over roll-ups. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake until bubbly, 30-35 minutes.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut eggplant into 12, (3/8-in.-thick) slices. Arrange eggplant on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until slightly dried out, about 15 minutes. Set aside. Bake in 2 batches, if necessary.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add beef to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally to break up chunks, until well browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in marinara. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. 
• Stir together ricotta and eggs in a small bowl. 
• Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce in bottom of a greased 13- x 9-inch glass baking dish. Arrange 3 pieces of eggplant in a single layer over sauce. Top with 3/4 cup meat sauce, 1/2 cup ricotta mixture, and 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers 3 more times. Top with fresh mozzarella pieces, and sprinkle with thyme. Cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 400°F for 45 minutes. Remove foil, and bake until top is browned, another 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 15 minutes before cutting.