Eggplant Parmesan!

Eggplant Parmesan

Today I made White Eggplant two ways.  Eggplant Parm & Roasted Eggplant with Garlic, S & P & Extra Virgin Olive Oil! Both Yummy, the latter has less calories (no cheese & no breading).Here's my version of Eggplant Parm that we served in our restaurant in Chicago.

First, make sure you have about a quart of your favorite Tomato Sauce on hand....Marinara Sauce....whatever you want to call it!

Some people like to use meat sauce.  You'll also need about 4 good sized eggplants.

So here we go with my White Eggplant today.  My hubby picked these gems up from a local farmers market.  They are not always available, so the purple colored large eggplant is the norm.

Slice about 1/4" thick and pat dry.  See how even I make mine.....Not!

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Then, I beat 4 eggs in a medium bowl, set aside and put 3 cups Italian Style breadcrumbs in a bowl, added 1tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 tsp. salt & pepper....and of course 1/4 cup parmesan or Romano cheese. Stir!  Then place eggplant slices into egg & turn coating both sides.  Dip into breadcrumb mixture.

Now grab your bottle of EVOO!  NO MEASURING FOLKS! Add a good amount (ok, like 4-6 tbs.) to your fry pan!  Heat on medium heat for about 2 minutes & begin placing your breaded eggplant slices in the pan.  Fry until golden brown on each side & PRESS once flipped to the second side to release the moisture.  This helps them become crispy-tender!  REPEAT until all eggplant is cooked...........

....Transferring to a paper towel lined baking sheet or platter  & press to remove any excess Oil.

Now we build our stacks!....Use your own homemade sauce, mozzarella & fresh basil for garnish.  When complete....bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes to heat through and melt the mozzarella.  ENJOY FOLKS! ....But if you don't feel like making this......You know who to call!

THE SECOND WAY I MADE OUR WHITE EGGPLANT TODAY.......Was the oven roasting method.

Just place yoru sliced eggplant on a baking sheet.  Drizzle with Olive Oil or Canola Oil, Add Sea Salt & Pepper (about 1/2 tsp each) and sprinkle on about 1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder (if you want more, add more..you're making it).  Bake at 350 for approximately 15 minutes, turn over, bake another 15-20 until tender.  Taste.  You can always add more seasoning, or drizzle with balsamic vinegar! YUMMMMMY!

Invite the neighbors! They'll love it!

MANGIA!