KosherEye.com
Contributed by Bitayavon Magazine
From our "going gluten free" Summer issue, this dish is a winner, whether or not you follow a gluten–free diet. The crunch from the cornmeal in this recipe is even better than you would get from breadcrumbs. The tomato sauce recipe is versatile and easy to make for many dishes. If you don’t have time to make your own sauce, you can use your favorite pasta sauce.
Tip: Fry in a non–stick pan to use substantially less oil, or bake eggplant in oven. Simply spray with cooking spray and bake for fifteen minutes in 375 degree oven.
Ingredients:
2 eggplants
3 eggs, beaten
Oil for frying
2 cups cornmeal or corn flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning or oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
8 ounces mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta or smooth cottage cheese (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Tomato sauce:
1 small onion, finely diced
1 green pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon butter (optional for added richness)
12 ounces tomato paste (2 small cans)
2 cups water
2 tablespoons sugar
Directions:
Thinly slice eggplants into 1/8th inch circles.
Prepare dredge station by beating eggs in one bowl and combine the cornmeal, oregano, salt, and garlic powder in another bowl.
Heat frying pan on medium high heat. If using a nonstick pan, pour 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan. If using a regular frying pan, make sure to coat the bottom of the pan with 1/ 2 inch of oil.
Dip eggplant in eggs and then dip in cornmeal, fry for 2-3 minutes per side and then drain eggplant on paper towels.
Make sauce by sautéing onions, pepper, and garlic in pot for three minutes. Add salt and oregano and sauté for two more minutes, then add tomato paste, water and sugar. Bring ingredients to a boil and simmer for ten minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Place a layer of eggplant in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Pour half the sauce over eggplant, cover with a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese or drizzle layer with some cheese.
Top with another layer of eggplant, pour remaining sauce over eggplant, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
Bake at 375 degrees for twenty minutes.
Notes:
Yield: Serves: 8
Recipes: Dairy, Eggplant, Kosher