Eggplant Parmesan

On the Menu Today~
Eggplant Parmesan~
Melanzane Alla Parmigiana

This is a typical Italian provincial dish.
Perfect as a luncheon dish and
one of my favorite ways to eat
eggplant~


When fresh eggplant is in season in your area,
keep this delicious recipe in mind.
Served with a small salad and
fresh buttered Italian bread,
you'll have a meatless meal your
whole family will love~

Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large (about 1 1/2 pounds) eggplant
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/4 cups seasoned dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Cooking Directions

1. Make Tomato Sauce:
2. In hot oil in a small saucepan, saute onion until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and salt; simmer 5 minutes. Set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 400º 
4. Pare eggplant; cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices.
5. Mix together the bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
6. Dip slices into lightly beaten eggs, then dip into bread crumb mixture, coating completely.
7. Meanwhile, slowly heat 1/2 cup oil in a large skillet. Saute eggplant slices, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Add more oil as needed. Drain eggplant slices well on paper towels.
8. In a 12 x 8 x 2 inch baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices, top with half of the tomato sauce mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese slices. Repeat layers. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.

Eggplant, Parmesan

Until Next Time~