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1
In a large saute pan set over medium heat, add enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
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2
When the oil is hot, add the onions and saute until translucent, but not browned, about 5 minutes.
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3
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
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4
Add the tomatoes and cook until they start to give off their liquid, about 5 minutes.
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5
Add the thyme and season with salt and pepper.
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6
Add the sugar and cook until there is almost no liquid left, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
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7
Remove from the heat.
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8
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
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9
Lay the eggplant and zucchini out on a flat surface and season with salt and pepper.
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10
Drizzle with olive oil.
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11
In another large saute pan set over medium high heat, add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
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12
When the oil just starts to smoke, add the eggplant in 1 layer and cook just until golden brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
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13
You might need to do this in batches.
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14
Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
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15
Blot the top with additional paper towels.
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16
In the same pan, add more olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
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17
When the oil just starts to smoke, add the zucchini in 1 layer and saute until just browned on each side, about 1 minute per side.
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18
Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
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19
In a shallow roasting pan or baking dish, spread half of the tomato sauce evenly over the bottom.
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20
Begin layering the eggplant and zucchini along the outside of the baking dish so they are overlapping slightly.
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21
Continue until the pan is full and the eggplant and zucchini is used.
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22
Cover the top with the remaining tomato sauce, spreading evenly.
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23
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top, covering completely.
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24
Place the baking dish inside a large baking dish.
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25
Pour hot water into the larger baking dish about half way up the sides to make a water bath.
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26
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
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27
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.