Eggplant parma style

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
poundsEggplant (about 2 large
Plants)
Salt
1cupLight olive oil
6ouncesProsciutto -- sliced
Paper-thin
1largeRed onion -- sliced
Paper-thin
cupGrated Parmesan cheese --
Plus 1/4 cup
1teaspoonFresh ground pepper
cupChunky Tomato Sauce (see
Recipe)
3tablespoonsMinced parsley -- for
Garnish
Roasted Red Peppers-----
2Red bell peppers, roasted,
Peeled -- sliced 1/4-inch
Thic
1Clove garlic -- finely
Minced
2tablespoonsExtra virgin olive oil
1teaspoonMinced fresh oregano
Salt -- to taste

Directions

1. Wash and dry eggplants; slice into rounds about ½ inch thick. Place rounds on baking sheets lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let stand 2 hours to draw out the bitter juices. Pat dry.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using ¼ cup olive oil at a time, fry eggplant slices on both sides in a large skillet over moderately high heat.

Blot them lightly on paper towels and set aside.

3. Using an 11- by 13-inch baking pan, make layers as follows: eggplant slices, then prosciutto, then onion, then a few red pepper strips, then a light dusting of Parmesan and a sprinkling of pepper, then one-third of the tomato sauce. Repeat two times, ending with tomato sauce. Bake 35 minutes, or until bubbling hot throughout. Dust top with additional Parmesan and parsley. Cool slightly before serving directly from the baking dish.

Serves 4 generously.

Roasted Red Peppers: Place sliced peppers in a medium bowl; add minced garlic, olive oil, and oregano. Salt to taste. Toss to blend and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour before using.

Recipe By : The California Culinary Academy File