EGGPLANT BOATS RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Halve the eggplant, then use a paring knife to cut vertical and horizontal slits into the flesh about 3/4-inch apart. (You want to create crosshatches across the whole surface without piercing the skin on the other side.) Place the halves on the lined baking sheet flesh-side up.
• Spread a tablespoon of olive oil over each of the halves, then sprinkle both with the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Roast until the eggplant is softened and golden brown on top, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the oven and spread 1/4 cup marinara on each half, then top with the cheeses. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling, another 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Cut eggplants lengthwise into eighteen 1/4-in.-thick slices; reserve leftover pieces. Line 2 baking sheets with foil. Coat both sides of eggplant slices with cooking spray; place in a single layer on prepared pans. Sprinkle eggplant with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bake until just pliable (do not let soften completely), 10-12 minutes; cool slightly. , Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add spinach; cover and boil 2-3 minutes or until wilted. Drain spinach and squeeze dry. Chop spinach and set aside., For sauce, finely chop leftover eggplant pieces to measure 1 cup (discard remaining or save for another use). In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped eggplant; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes, tomato puree, basil, sugar, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until flavors are blended., Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine filling ingredients and spinach. Place 1 rounded tablespoon of filling on the wide end of each eggplant slice; carefully roll up. Place roll-ups in baking dish over sauce, seam side down. Top with 1-1/2 cups sauce. In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs; sprinkle over top. Bake until heated through and bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Serve with remaining sauce and, if desired, sprinkle with parsley.