-
1
Slice eggplant into 1/2 slices.
-
2
Sprinkle both sides of each slice with salt.
-
3
Place the salt covered eggplant slices in a colander and place the colander on a plate.
-
4
Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
-
5
This will cause the eggplant to sweat, releasing excess moisture.
-
6
While the eggplant is sweating, prepare the sauce.
-
7
In a deep frying pan, over medium heat, saute the onion and fresh garlic in about 2 tablespoons olive oil until the onion is translucent.
-
8
Stir occasionally while cooking.
-
9
Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, parsley, sugar, granulated garlic, and granulated onion.
-
10
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
-
11
Lower heat to low and simmer sauce, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes.
-
12
Preheat oven to 400-degrees F.
-
13
Rinse eggplant thoroughly under running water.
-
14
Pat dry with paper towels.
-
15
Mix together the seasoned- and panko- breadcrumbs in a bowl.
-
16
In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and 1 tablespoon water together.
-
17
Line a baking sheet with foil and brush the foil with olive oil.
-
18
Dip each eggplant slice in the breadcrumbs, then in the egg/water mixture, then back in the breadcrumbs.
-
19
Place eggplant on the oiled baking sheet.
-
20
Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops of eggplant prior to baking.
-
21
OR you can lightly spray the tops of the eggplant slices with olive oil cooking spray.
-
22
Bake the eggplant until golden brown, about 20-30 minutes.
-
23
Then remove it from the oven.
-
24
Then, you can assemble the dish.
-
25
Lower oven temperature to 375-degrees F. In a 3-quart baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the dish.
-
26
Place a layer of eggplant on the sauce.
-
27
Sprinkle the eggplant slices with parmesan cheese, then with mozzarella.
-
28
Top with a layer of tomato sauce.
-
29
Repeat layers until all eggplant slices have been used.
-
30
End with a layer of any remaining sauce and top with remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
-
31
Bake at 350-degrees F for 30 minutes until cheese is golden and sauce is bubbly.
-
32
Remove from oven and allow to sit for 10 minutes prior to serving.
