Eggplant Lasagna

Elevate your dinner with this Eggplant Delight, a unique take on traditional parmigiana, layered with ham and rich mozzarella, all smothered in a homemade tomato sauce.

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Dive into the layers of our Eggplant Delight, where each slice is a harmonious blend of savory and hearty flavors. This dish takes the classic eggplant parmigiana and adds a delightful twist with ham, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. The eggplant, thinly sliced and perfectly fried, pairs wonderfully with the richness of the tomato sauce and the gooeyness of the mozzarella, making each bite a memorable experience.

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Why This Recipe Will Win You Over:

Beyond its mouthwatering layers and exquisite taste, this recipe is a celebration of texture and flavor. The process of salting and frying the eggplant ensures a crispy foundation, while the homemade sauce adds a touch of rustic charm. It's a dish that's as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

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Making It Your Own

While the recipe is delightful as is, feel free to experiment with additional layers of vegetables or different types of cheese to suit your taste. The versatility of this dish allows for endless creativity.

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Hungry Yet? Dive Right In!

Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a cozy night in, this Eggplant Delight is sure to satisfy. Get ready to layer, bake, and enjoy a dish that's bound to become a new favorite.

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INGREDIENTS

1 large eggplant
2 eggs
Flour for dredging
Slices of ham
Mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
For the sauce: 1 red onion (diced), 1 carrot (diced), smooth tomato sauce, a dash of salt, 2 tbsp oil, dried oregano

INSTRUCTIONS

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‍Prepare Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into thin rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides and set aside for 1 hour to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.

Make Sauce: Heat oil in a pot, then sauté diced onion and carrot until softened. Season with a dash of salt. Add smooth tomato sauce and dried oregano, stirring well. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.

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Fry Eggplant: Whisk eggs in a bowl. Dip each eggplant slice first in flour, then in the beaten eggs. Pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat until each side is golden brown, requiring a couple of minutes per side.

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Base Layer: Tomato Sauce: Start by spreading a thin, even layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. This foundational layer sets the stage for the flavors that follow and ensures that the dish is moist and rich in taste.‍
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First Layer: Eggplant: Arrange the fried eggplant slices over the tomato sauce, slightly overlapping them to ensure full coverage. The eggplant will absorb the tomato sauce, enriching its flavor and softening its texture to create a tender base for the subsequent layers.

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Second Layer: Ham: Cover the eggplant with slices of ham, ensuring the layer is even. The ham introduces a savory depth and a subtle smokiness, adding complexity to the dish's flavor profile.

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Third Layer: Mozzarella Cheese: Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the ham, covering it completely. The mozzarella will melt during baking, creating a creamy, gooey layer that binds the ingredients together harmoniously.

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Repeat the Layering: Repeat the layering process, starting again with a layer of tomato sauce, followed by eggplant, ham, and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Aim to create three complete sets of layers, adjusting the quantity of ingredients as needed to fit your baking dish.‍
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Final Touch: Topping with Cheese: Conclude the assembly with a final lavish layer of mozzarella cheese. This top layer will become beautifully golden and bubbly in the oven, forming a deliciously cheesy crust.
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By carefully constructing each layer, you'll build a dish with a symphony of flavors and textures, from the tender eggplant and rich tomato sauce to the savory ham and gooey mozzarella. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, and the methodical layering ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced.
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‍Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled dish for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top.
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‍Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the dish cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Enjoy! ♡

Connie Cooks

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Keywords: Eggplant Parmesan, Ham, Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Baked Eggplant, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Vegetarian Option

Eggplant Lasagna

Total Time:
1 hour 45 minutes
Yield:
4 servings

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Elevate your dinner with this Eggplant Delight, a unique take on traditional parmigiana, layered with ham and rich mozzarella, all smothered in a homemade tomato sauce.

INGREDIENTS

1 large eggplant
2 eggs
Flour for dredging
Slices of ham
Mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
For the sauce: 1 red onion (diced), 1 carrot (diced), smooth tomato sauce, a dash of salt, 2 tbsp oil, dried oregano

INSTRUCTIONS

Salt and dry eggplant slices to remove moisture.
Sauté onion and carrot, then simmer with tomato sauce and oregano.
Dip eggplant slices in flour and egg, then pan-fry until golden.
Layer tomato sauce, eggplant, ham, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then finish at 400°F for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings
350
per serving

(% Daily Value)

Total Fat: 18g (28%)

Sodium: 800mg. (33%)

Dietary Fiber: 5g (20%)

Protein: 22g

Vitamin C: 15mg (25%)

Potassium: 450mg (13%)

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Cholesterol: 120mg (40%)

Total Carbohydrate: 28g (9%)

Sugars: 8g

Vitamin A: 2000µg (40%)

Iron 2mg (11%)

Phosphorus 50mg (5%)

Keywords:

Eggplant Parmesan, Ham, Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Baked Eggplant, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Vegetarian Option