Classic Eggplant Parmesan
Serving Size: 4-6
Ingredients:
1 lb. Roasted Eggplant Lasagna
1 tbsp. kosher salt
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 lb. eggplant, cut lengthwise into 1/3” thick slices
4 cloves garlic, smashed & peeled
3.5 lb. diced tomatoes
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1⁄4 cup, plus tbsp. grated Parmesan
Salt & pepper, to taste
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Place eggplant in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let it sit for about 1 hour. Thoroughly rinse the eggplant, pat it dry and set it aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and drizzle 1⁄2 tbsp. olive oil on each. Place half of the eggplant slices on each pan, turn to coat with the oil, and then arrange in a single layer. Bake until tender and lightly browned, about 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until just golden, about 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes and bring to a boil. Lower heat and cook, partially covered & stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 25 minutes. Season with salt & pepper.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling lightly salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain.
- Line a 9-inch square baking dish with two 16-inch-long sheets of parchment paper, allowing a few inches of overhang on all sides. Using a food processor, puree the ricotta cheese. Add egg and 1⁄4 cup Parmesan. Season with salt & pepper. Pulse to combine.
- Spread 1-cup tomato sauce in the bottom of the prepared dish. Lay 2 noodles, side by side, over the sauce. Layer half of the ricotta cheese mixture, half of the eggplant slices and one-third of the mozzarella on top. Spoon 1-1⁄4 cups tomato sauce over the mozzarella and top with 2 more noodles. Layer with the remaining ricotta cheese mixture and eggplant, another third of the mozzarella, 1-1⁄4 cups tomato sauce and remaining noodles. Spread the remaining tomato sauce on top and fold in the parchment to cover the lasagna.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil, place on a baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and 2 tbsp. Parmesan on top and bake until bubbly, about 10 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
