What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Time To Eat: Aubergine Parmigiano Bake! Eggplant is one of those culinary mysteries. Some say it resembles chicken, others not so much. Despite the friendly debate, it continues to be a popular choice when craving Italian food. Instead of wolfing it down in a few bites, slow down. Appreciate the gooey cheese pulls, savory herbs, and chunky pasta sauce. Together it’s like a masterpiece, combining all the flavors into a delicious work of art.
AUBERGINE PARMIGIANO BAKE
Ingredients:
1 aubergine (eggplant); cut into 1/2 inch thick discs
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup prepared marinara sauce
2-4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan-reggiano cheese, grated
Crushed basil, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Spray two individual casseroles with nonstick oil. Set aside. Dip eggplant in the beaten egg; dredge in Italian seasoned breadcrumbs to coat. Repeat. Place slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes to encourage browning. In the prepared casserole dishes, spread several spoonfuls of marinara sauce so the bottom of the casserole is evenly covered. Place breaded eggplant on top of sauce. Add fresh mozzarella cheese and half the grated parmesan-reggiano cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with crushed basil and serve.