A Healthy Eggplant Parmesan

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A much lighter, faster preparation of a classic Eggplant Parmesan, (adapted from an Ina Garten recipe) this Healthy Eggplant Parmesan comes together fast and involves ZERO FRYING. Phew. It feels good to say that. By roasting your eggplant instead, you get a hands-off cook that is less greasy but just as enjoyable.

Author: Lauren McDuffie
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2.5 lbs. eggplant, unpeeled, halved lengthwise, and sliced ¼ to 1/3 inch thick

¾ cup olive oil

1 TBSP dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

24-ounce jar marinara sauce

½ cup chopped/shredded fresh basil

1 lb. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

8 oz. garlic and herb cheese spread (such as Alouette or Boursin)

1 ¾ cups grated parmesan

FOR THE TOPPING

1 ½ cups fresh bread crumbs, see note (from any bread you like or have, really)

4 garlic cloves, minced or grated

¼ chopped fresh basil or parsley

1/3 cup olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Space your three racks evenly.

Lay the eggplant evenly in one layer on two or three sheet pans (depends on the size of your pans), and brush both sides with oil, using up all of the ¾ cup. Sprinkle with oregano and then a good amount of salt and pepper (about 1.5 TBSP of salt and 1.5 tsp pepper). Roast for 15 minutes. Flip the slices, rotate your pans in the oven, bake for 10 more minutes. We’re just looking for nice tender eggplant here.

In a large baking dish, spread 1/3 of the marinara. Evenly arrange 1/3 of the eggplant on top, followed by 1/3 of the basil, 1/3 of the mozzarella, 1/3 of the garlic and herb cheese spread, and then 1/3 of the parm. Repeat twice, ending with a layer of parmesan.

To create the breadcrumb topping, place the breadcrumbs, garlic, and basil in a food processor and pulse to mix them up. Add ¼ cup olive oil (up to 1/3 cup if needed) and a bit of salt. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the dish.

Roast your eggplant parmesan for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top. Allow it to rest at room temp for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

NOTE: to make fresh breadcrumbs, simply throw some fresh bread into your food processor and process until you get crumbs. Simple as that.

Find it online: https://mykitchenlittle.com/2020/02/17/a-healthy-eggplant-parmesan/