Eggplant Parmesan
This is my favorite way to maked Eggplant Parmesan, and I try to make it at least once a month. I add a layer of creamy ricotta cheese which gives this traditional dish added substance and flavor. This recipe freezes well, and and leftovers the next day are amzing.
I like grill or broil my eggplant instead of frying in oil, which greatly reduces the fat intake. Try to choose firm, shiny skinned small to medium sized eggplants. The larger ones are full of seeds and can be bitter tasting. You may also peel the eggplant to create a creamier texture but it isn’t necessary. This recipe has a wonderful layer of creamy cheeses running through the center, which contrasts nicely with the spicy tomato sauce.
Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele
Eggplant Parmesan
This recipe is both filling and low fat, using a few tricks to adapt the traditional heavier recipe into one even the most health conscious would enjoy.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 4 Cups of Chopped Canned Tomatoes
- 3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped
- 3 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Basil
- Salt & Pepper
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
Other Ingredients:
- 3 Pounds Small to Medium Eggplants
- Cooking Oil Spray (Such as Pam)
- 1 Pound Reduced Fat Ricotta Cheese
- 1 Cup Reduced Fat Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Medium Egg (or Egg Substitute)
- 2 Tablespoons Minced Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Peel the eggplant if doing so, and cut into 1/2 inch slices lengthwise.
- Sprinkle with salt, and layer the slices in a colander to drain, placing a plate and a weight (such as a few cans of tomatoes) on top, then leave to drain for about an hour.
- While the eggplant is purging, begin the sauce by heating the oil in a medium saucepan.
- Add the onions and cook until they are translucent, then add the garlic and cook another minute and then add the tomatoes.
- Season with the chopped basil and other seasonings, and let simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse the eggplant slices and pat dry.
- Either broil or grill the eggplant, first spraying lightly with the oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook until golden on either side.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
- Add the egg, basil and season to taste.
- In an 8 X 12 inch baking dish, spread about 1/2 cup of the sauce along the bottom.
- Add a couple of spoonfuls of water, mixing lightly.
- Place a layer of the eggplant slices on this sauce, overlapping slightly.
- Spoon over enough sauce to cover lightly, and then sprinkle with about 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese.
- Repeat with another layer of the eggplant slices and the sauce.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over this, and finish with the last layer of the eggplant and sauce.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 2 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 379Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 752mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 6gSugar: 8gProtein: 22g