Eggplant parmigiana = cauli-less Italian stallion
So yummy I ate my allowance in one hit. oppppps !
I’m a complete sucker for anything Italian, love a tomato base with a bit of creaminess, love eggplant too. If you don’t, it’s ok, calm down, replace with zucchini slices. Just use 6 medium sized zucchinis. So, this is essentially a layered dish, tastes much like lasagne. Layers of chargrilled eggplant, rich tomato sauce and lastly, the element of surprise, zucchini “shredded cheese”. A real “lol” moment, but is actually worked a treat. As it’s fairly tasteless it took on the flavours and cheesiness really well. Was a great addition to this traditional dish.
Made the eggplant slices and the tomato sauce last night before bed. Just did the zucchini “shredded cheese” just before but I’m sure you could also do this bit ahead of time. To be fair, I don’t think this is a quick mid week meal for the family, you need to do three different processes all at once. But an excellent one for the weekend or a less hectic evening meal.
Speaking of the “cheese” , I really enjoyed it, it gives a bit of “umph” to the flavours and does taste a little like cheese. The different texture is good too in the layers.
Joni ???
Ps. I’m a bit sick of cauliflower at the moment, so this is cauliflower-less !
- 1 zucchini
- 3 eggplants
- Olive oil spray
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 brown onion, roughly chopped
- 1 carrot, roughly chopped
- 1 stick of celery, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or sliced
- 2 400g tins of tomatoes, low salt no added sugar
- 2 tbs (50g) low salt tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable stock , as needed
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil (or 1 tbs dry or 2 tbs minced in a tube)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Peel the green layer off the the zucchini then grate and place on three layers of paper towel. Leave to drain.
- Heat a large fry pan over medium heat. Trim and slice the eggplant top to bottom, approx. 6 slices per eggplant (see pic). Spray with olive oil spray and cook on both sides until soft, approx 3 mins per slice for both sides . Remove and let cool.
- Blend up the onion, carrot and celery until finely chopped in a food processor (or hand grate). To the same pan used for the eggplant add the 1 tbs olive oil. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook until soft, stirring occasionally. Add the 2 tins of tomatoes and tomato paste. Season. Cook for approx 1/2 hour until thick. If needed, add the stock to ensure the sauce is not too dry. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the fresh basil.
- Place zucchini in a bowl and mix well adding the onion and garlic powders, paprika , black pepper and mustard.
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- In a medium casserole dish (approx. 20x20cms) , placed a thin layer of tomato sauce, the. Add eggplant slices to form a layer, then a sprinkle of the zucchini, repeat until it is all used ending with a thin tomato layer and then a sprinkle of the zucchini. Season and spray with olive oil spray. Cover with foil.
- Cook covered in the oven for 20 minutes, remove foil and cook for a further 10-15 mins until nicely browned on top.
- You can also chargrill the eggplant on a BBQ or in a health grill.
- Everything can be made a few days ahead and assembled just before cooking.
- Tomato sauce freezes very well. I don't recommend freezing the eggplant or zucchini.
Lana
February 3, 2016
This sound delish! I’m going to cook it tomorrow night. I’m excited to see how the zuchinni cheese tastes.
Joni Condos
February 3, 2016
Excellent Lana ! I’d love to know now you go 🙂 cheers Joni
Elaine
May 19, 2016
Hi Joni. I presume the tinned tomatoes are low salt … not low sale as in the recipe ? Need to make this up & see if it is as good as it sounds. Thanks
Joni Condos
May 19, 2016
Haha ! Geez I’d better check that spelling 🙂 give it a go, if you like these flavours you will love it ! Joni ?
Elli
June 13, 2016
Tried this and all I can say is….YUM.
Joni Condos
June 13, 2016
So glad ! It’s a good combo, nice comfort food … Joni ?