TASTY EGGPLANT RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut off the ends of the eggplant, then slice lengthwise about ⅛-inch (3-mm) thick.
• Sprinkle the eggplant slices with sea salt on both sides and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
• Lightly grease a griddle pan with olive oil and heat over medium heat. Grill the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until grill marks are visible. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-low heat, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Add the crushed tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of salt, stirring well to incorporate the garlic and red pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, reducing the heat if the sauce begins to bubble too much. Add the basil and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, beat the egg, then add the ricotta, 1½ cups (150 g) of mozzarella, ¾ cup (80 g) of Parmesan, and the Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
• Assemble the lasagna. In a 9x13-inch (23x33-cm) baking dish, add enough sauce to cover the bottom of the dish and spread in an even layer. Add a layer of eggplant slices, covering the bottom of the dish completely. It’s okay if the eggplant slices overlap slightly. Add a layer of the ricotta mixture and spread in a thin, even layer. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a layer of sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
• Bake for 45 minutes, until cheese is fully melted.
• Turn the broiler on high and broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is browned and bubbly.
• Remove the lasagna from the oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to give the lasagna time to set.
• Serve garnished with fresh basil.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Cut each eggplant into about ½-inch (1-cm) thick round slices.
• Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
• Sprinkle the eggplant with half of the coarse salt. Flip the slices over and sprinkle with the rest of the salt.
• Put another baking sheet on top of the eggplant and place something heavy, like a cast-iron skillet, on the top baking sheet to help release moisture from the eggplant. Let sit for 30 minutes.
• Uncover the eggplant slices and pat dry with paper towels. Brush most of the salt from the eggplant with a paper towel, then transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside.
• In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
• Coat each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Fry the eggplant in batches until golden brown on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat dry using more paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Pour about 1 cup (260 g) of marinara sauce into a 2½-quart (2 L) baking dish and spread evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
• Add about 8 eggplant slices (it’s okay if they overlap) and cover with ½ cup (130 g) of marinara. Sprinkle with a third of the fresh basil, then top with about a third of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat to make 2 more layers. Finish with the fresh mozzarella cheese and a final sprinkling of Parmesan.
• Bake for 30 minutes, until the mozzarella is bubbling and golden brown.
• Let cool for 10 minutes, then serve garnished with fresh basil.
• Enjoy!