Eggplant Wins! – Eggplant Parmesan

We held a contest on our Facebook page asking people to choose an ingredient for us to cook with this week. Eggplant was the most popular nominee, getting the most votes! Since we are always trying to eat more vegetables and encouraging others to do the same, this winner puts a smile on my face and in my heart.

And what a winner!

Native to India, this vegetable (which is really a fruit) is not only rich in color, but loaded with vitamins and minerals and many health benefits. The eggplant is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, B1, B6, and B3, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, and folic acid.

It is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, is good for cardiovascular health, helps reduce cholesterol, and improves gut health. Wow!

The phytonutrients in eggplant also boost cognitive activity and help protect our brains from toxins and disease.

Because eggplant soaks up so much oil when fried, we chose to bake it on a greased cookie sheet instead.

Love all the layers of breaded eggplant slices, tomato sauce and three cheeses.

Print Recipe

Eggplant Parmesan

Prep Time

1 1/2 hours

Cook Time

60 minutes

Servings

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 3 large eggs beaten
• 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
• 2 tsp. oregano
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 32 oz. tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• red pepper flakes optional
• Cooking spray

Prep Time 1 1/2 hours Cook Time 60 minutes Servings Ingredients 2 large eggplants 3 large eggs beaten 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs 2 tsp. oregano 2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 32 oz. tomato sauce 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese red pepper flakes optional Cooking spray

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Slice eggplants into 1/4" thick rounds. Sprinkle with salt and set aside for 1 hour. Rinse.
3. Spray 2 baking sheets with cooking oil.
4. Spread bread crumbs on a large plate. Mix in oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Dip eggplant slices, one at a time, into beaten eggs and then press both sides into bread crumbs. Place on baking sheet.
6. Bake in the oven at 375 for 10 min. Turn eggplant slices over and bake for 10 min. more.
7. Remove eggplant from the oven.

Assembly

1. Using a large casserole dish (9" x 12"), spoon enough tomato sauce to cover the bottom of the casserole dish.
2. Make a layer of eggplant slices over the sauce.
3. Sprinkle 1/3 of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses over the eggplant slices.
4. Add another layer of sauce.
5. Repeat with 2 more layers ending with the cheese on top.
6. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (optional).
7. Place casserole on the top rack in the oven and bake at 375 for 40 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
9. Enjoy!