I have never been a huge fan of eggplant, as I usually find it too slimy, but this recipe has converted me. I served my eggplant stacks  over a bed of warmed greens but it is great all on its own or would be a fabulous side dish for lots of different meals. Yum!

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant cut into 12 slices
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion , diced
  • 1 green bell pepper , diced
  • salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce (such as pasta sauce/marinara sauce)
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 220 g tub bocconcini, drained and sliced

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
  3. Arrange eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle each slice with salt; let stand 20 minutes.
  4. Using paper towels, wipe off the moisture from each slice and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until browned on top.

In the meantime, prepare the Tomato Sauce.

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and peppers; season with salt and pepper and cook until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Stir in garlic and continue to cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add in tomato sauce, oregano and parsley and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through.
  5. Remove eggplants from oven.
  6. Lower oven temperature to 350F.
  7. Lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray. (You can also use the same baking sheet that you used for roasting the eggplants.)
  8. Cover the bottom of the baking dish with about 1/4 cup tomato sauce.
  9. Place the 4 largest eggplant slices over the tomato sauce.
  10. Over each slice of eggplant, spread a couple tablespoons of tomato sauce and a layer of bocconcini slices.
  11. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. Each stack should consist of 3 eggplant slices.
  12. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops turn light brown.
  13. Remove from oven and serve.

Bon appétit!