Deep-Dish Eggplant Parmigiana

By: Melissa Baker

Recipe and Image Courtesy of www.RachaelRay.com

      

Ingredients:

• 3 firm, medium eggplants
• Salt
• Olive oil, for shallow frying

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella, diced into small pieces
• 1 12 cups freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 2 quarts pomodoro sauce, such as Rachael's Pomodoro Sauce
• A handful of basil leaves
• A handful of flat leaf parsley, finley chopped                                            

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375°F.

2. Heat a shallow layer of oil in a 12-14-inch skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant for 2-3 minutes on each side until light golden. Drain on paper towels.

3. Place a layer of sauce in a casserole dish. Top with a third of the eggplant, a few spoonfuls of sauce, a third of the mozzarella and the Parmigiano Reggiano and a few leaves of torn basil. Repeat two more times.

4. Bake the eggplant for 35-40 minutes, until the top is brown and bubbly. Top with minced parsley and serve (let rest before cutting with a serrated knife).

5. Serve with green salad alongside or as a first course.