She’s Cookin’s  recipe for Eggplant Parmesan was chosen as a finalist in Zov’s (of Zov’s Bistro fame) eggplant recipe contest and the judging is today; so I’m busy making Eggplant Parmesan “My Way” just as soon as I finish this cup of java Over the years, I fine-tuned the preparation of this dish to make it less heavy and lower in calories without sacrificing the robust flavor and cheesy deliciousness.

Wish me luck If it wins, you’ll see Eggplant Parmesan “My Way” featured as a daily special at Zov’s Bistro in Tustin!

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Post tags: eggplant parmesan, Meatless Monday, vegetarian, Zov's Bistro

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I love eggplant parmesan but detest the deep-fried, heavily breaded kind that you get in a lot of restaurants.  I’ve experimented over the years and this is about as low calorie as you can make this traditional Italian dish without sacrificing taste.  Eggplant soaks up a lot of oil in the traditional preparation, so I brush them with olive oil and bake them instead!

Eggplant Parmesan “My Way”

2 med. eggplants, cut into ½” rounds

2-3 T. extra virgin olive oil

½ t. Cajun spice (optional)

Italian-style bread crumbs

Purchased spaghetti sauce

8 oz. thinly sliced mozzarella

½ c. grated parmesan

Sprinkle both sides with salt and place between paper towels. This draws out the moisture and any bitterness – leave them for about 30 min.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush both sides of the eggplant rounds with olive oil. (I put a dash of Cajun spice because I like a little more zip in about everything.) Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake, turning once, until the eggplant is softened and golden brown, about 30 minutes total. (Remember, they get baked again.)

In a 9½” x 13” baking dish, spread spaghetti sauce to cover bottom of dish, cover with first layer of eggplant,

then layer mozzarella on top and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Dot cheese with sauce and repeat with another layer of eggplant, mozzarella, grated parmesan and sauce.  Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly. (You may put it under the broiler to brown, but watch carefully!)

Do as the Italians do and enjoy with  a bottle of Chianti Classico!

Enjoy

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© Priscilla for She's Cookin' | from the heart, 2010. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: comfort food, eggplant parmesan, meatless recipes, vegetarian recipes

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