Eggplant Parmesan
The trick to Eggplant Parmesan is to drain the eggplant slices of excess moisture first, before cooking. We found this recipe recently in the New York Times and adapted it to our taste (olive oil only - no canola oil, and no hard boiled egg slices as the original recipe called for).
Eggplant Parmesan RecipeINGREDIENTS
2 lbs (about 2 large) eggplants
Kosher salt
1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
Olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
4 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 lbs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
1 cup grated high quality Parmesan cheese
1 packed cup fresh basil leaves
METHOD
1 Cut eggplants lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices. Arrange one layer in the bottom of a large colander and sprinkle evenly with salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant, salting, until all eggplant is in the colander. Weigh down the slices with a couple of plates and let drain for 2 hours. The purpose of this step is to have the eggplant release some of its moisture before cooking.
2 While the eggplant is draining, prepare tomato sauce. Combine tomatoes, garlic and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to tasted and set aside.
3 When eggplant has drained, press down on it to remove excess water, wipe off the excess salt, and lay the slices out on paper towels to remove all the moisture. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine flour and breadcrumbs. Mix well. Pour beaten eggs into another wide shallow bowl. Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat, and pour in a a half inch of olive oil. When oil is shimmering, dredge the eggplant slices first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg. Working in batches, slide coated eggplant into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
4 Preheat the oven to 350°F. In the bottom of a 10x15 inch glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce. Top with one third of the eggplant slices. Top eggplant with half of the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with one third of the Parmesan and half of the basil leaves.
5 Make a second layer of eggplant slices, topped by 1 cup of sauce, remaining mozzarella, half the remaining Parmesan, and all of the remaining basil. Add remaining eggplant, and top with the remaining tomato sauce and Parmesan.
6 Bake until cheese has melted and the top is slightly brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serves 8.
Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients2 pounds sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon low-sodium chili seasoning
Salt and pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil; set aside.
Use peeler to peel sweet potatoes. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise then cut into 1/2-inch thick fries.
Place sweet potato fries in a large mixing bowl. Add oil and spices. Toss until they are thoroughly coated with spices.
Spread fries in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Place in preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes turning once to ensure even cooking. Remove from oven and serve hot.
Grilled Eggplant Sandwich
Ingredients Eggplant:
4 teaspoons Olive Oil
1 clove Garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped, Fresh Basil
Salt, to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
2 small Eggplants
Sandwiches:
1/2 cup Cream Cheese, Low-Fat Whipped, or Goat Cheese
4 pieces Focaccia or other good quality bread, sliced in half, lengthwise
2/3 cup Spinach, washed and dried
4 slices Tomato
Preparation
Eggplant:
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and fresh ground pepper and ½ teaspoon fresh chopped basil to small bowl. Stir to combine.
Brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil mixture.
Grill eggplant over direct heat, 3 minutes per side.
Sandwiches:
Mix cream cheese, 1-tablespoon fresh chopped basil, salt, and fresh ground pepper in small bowl.
Spread 4 halves of focaccia bread with cheese mixture.
Top with spinach, slice of tomato and focaccia bread slice.