Monday, March 31, 2008

Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant has been one of my big pregnancy cravings... and thankfully my 2 year old LOVES it! Eggplant can look a little intimidating, but it really is delicious! And it also freezes like a champ!

1 small eggplant
1 beaten egg
1 Tbsp milk
1/8 cup flour
1/8 cup bread crumbs
2-3 Tbsp cooking oil, or Italian salad dressing
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup meatless spaghetti sauce
3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Wash eggplant, and cut cross wise into 1/4" tick slices.

Combine egg and milk, set aside. Combine flour & breadcrumbs (you can also season this, salt & pepper, garlic powder, oregano, etc.), set aside.

Dip eggplant slices into egg mixture and then into flour, turning to coat both sides.

In a large skillet, cook eggplant in hot oil or Italian dressing for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels.

Place cooked eggplant slices in a single layer in a baking dish. Top with spaghetti sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses; repeat layers.

Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes.

2 comments:

Vickie said...

What does eggplant taste like? I've always been very curious about it but too scared to try it. I imagine it's sort of like a zucchini?

Melanie said...

It has a really "meaty" taste. I wouldn't compare it to zucchini, that's to light and springy. It is a very hearty vegetable. It doesn't taste anything like mushrooms, but you could compare the consistency to a portabello.
Pick an eggplant that's still firm, with a vibrant purple color (no brown) and then make sure it's cooked the whole way through.