-
1
Salt each side, and press the moisture out of the eggplant rounds by laying them flat in between paper towels and weighing a flat object and heavy pan on top.
-
2
This will extract the extra moisture from the eggplant, and will allow it to hold up to the sauce when baking it later on.
-
3
(No one wants mushy eggplant).
-
4
Let this sit for at least two hours.
-
5
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.
-
6
Into the bowl of your food processor, add the can of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
-
7
Blend for about 30 seconds, until there are minimal chunks.
-
8
Add 1/4 cup coarsely chopped basil, and pulse 6-8 times, to incorporate.
-
9
Transfer sauce to a bowl, cover, and set aside in the fridge.
-
10
When the eggplant is ready, press any remaining moisture out of the rounds, brush off the excess salt and begin the breading process.
-
11
To bread the eggplant, first combine the flour and panko breadcrumbs in one bowl and the beaten eggs in another bowl.
-
12
Dip each eggplant round in the egg first and then in the flour mixture to coat.
-
13
Place on a lined baking sheet and put in the oven on 400 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping over halfway through.
-
14
Bake until crisp and slightly golden brown.
-
15
Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before handling them.
-
16
Now for the layering: First place about a cup of the tomato sauce on the bottom of an 8x8 or similar sized casserole dish or glass baking dish.
-
17
Then add one layer of eggplant, topped with about 1/2 of the Italian cheese blend, 1/2 of the parmesan cheese, and 1/2 of the basil leaves.
-
18
Then layer with more eggplant and top with another cup or cup and a half of sauce to cover.
-
19
Add remaining basil leaves and push them partially into the sauce.
-
20
Top with the remaining Italian cheese and then sprinkle the rest of the parmesan on top.
-
21
Bake at 375 degrees F for about 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
-
22
*Little Yellow Note: This recipe serves about 4, but there will be about 1 cup of extra tomato sauce.
-
23
You can freeze it for next time or use it a yummy pasta dish later in the week!
-
24
Or, you can double the amount by simply using one more large eggplant, doubling the cheese, and finding a larger baking dish.