This is a super tasty recipe for summer that is quick and easy to make, using a plentiful, in season vegetable. This versatile dish can be served as a vegetarian main course, a side dish, or even as an appetizer. It’s also healthy for you!
Serves 4 or more, depending upon how you use it. Adapt the recipe as needed for more diners.
You'll Need:
One medium to large unpeeled eggplant (look for wider rather than longer)
3 tbs olive oil
6 to 8 ounces of ricotta cheese
One or two fresh tomatoes
Lots of minced garlic
Salt and pepper
Fresh, sharp parmesan cheese
Fresh basil
Slice the eggplant thinly if using as a side dish, thicker (about ½ to ¾ inch) if using as a main dish. Salt each side liberally and set aside for 30 to 45 minutes, then rinse well and pat dry. This process removes some of the eggplant’s bitter taste, but also ensures that it doesn’t absorb too much oil.
Next, brown the eggplant in the olive oil using a heavy bottomed, non-stick frying pan. You can also brown them in the broiler, placing them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, brushing them with a light coating of olive oil, and then turning them when the first side is brown.
Once browned, cover each slice of eggplant with a generous layer of ricotta cheese, and then a layer of minced garlic (I love garlic and really lay it on thick here). Next add a slice of tomato, more garlic, salt and pepper and finally, top with a generous layer of shredded parmesan cheese. Place on cookie sheet(s), sprinkle on any leftover olive oil and place under the broiler until the parmesan is bubbling hot and browned, but keep it low enough from the flame so the lower layers warm nicely. Remove from the oven, sprinkle a few pinches of chopped basil on top and serve immediately.
If you’re feeling creative you can make variations of this recipe by substitution or including layers of prosciutto, sausage, onions, roasted red peppers, pesto, and favorite spices. You can also try slicing the eggplant length wise and assembling it in a casserole dish, baking it until it everything melts into a yummy mixture of the combined flavors.
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