EGGPLANT PARMESAN 12 Recipe

Cut eggplants lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices. Arrange one layer in the bottom of a large colander and sprinkle evenly with salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant, salting, until all eggplant is in the colander. Weigh down the slices with a couple of plates and let drain for 2 hours. The purpose of this step is to have the eggplant release some of its moisture before cooking. While the eggplant is draining, prepare tomato sauce. Combine tomatoes, garlic and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside. When eggplant has drained, press down on it to remove excess water, wipe off the excess salt, and lay the slices out on paper towels to remove all the moisture. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine flour and breadcrumbs. Mix well. Pour beaten eggs into another wide shallow bowl. Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 inch of olive oil. When oil is shimmering, dredge the eggplant slices first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg. Working in batches, slide coated eggplant into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Preheat the oven to 350°. In the bottom of a 10 x 15 inch glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce. Top with 1/3 of the eggplant slices. Top eggplant with 1/2 of the Mozzarella cheese slices. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese and 1/2 of the basil leaves. Make a second layer of eggplant slices, topped by 1 cup of tomato sauce, remaining Mozzarella cheese, 1/2 of the remaining Parmesan cheese, and all of the remaining basil. Add remaining eggplant, and top with the remaining tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. Bake until cheese has melted and the top is slightly brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Serves 8.