EvS Eggplant Aubergine Parmigiana - eggplant

Method

• Trim and wash eggplant; do not remove skin.
• Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices.
• Place on baking sheet, put a cup on one end of baking sheet to make it tilt (so that liquid that drains off will gather at one end); sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let drain 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Lightly oil a 12 x 8 inch baking dish.
• Rinse eggplant and pat dry.
• Beat eggs in shallow bowl.
• Spread half of the breadcrumbs on large platter.
• Dip each eggplant slice first in the egg, letting excess drip back into bowl, then into the breadcrumbs, shaking off excess.
• Place slices as they are breaded onto a baking sheet.
• Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until rippling.
• Add enough eggplant slices to fin in one layer without crowding and saute on both sides until lightly-browned, 2-3 minutes per side.
• Transfer to paper toweling to drain as the slices become done.
• Continue, adding more oil if necessary.
• When finished frying eggplant, add mushrooms, olives and spinach to same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
• Saute, stirring frequently, until spinach has just wilted, about 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Make a layer of half the eggplant slices in baking dish.
• Spread ricotta cheese evenly over; sprinkle with Parmesan, then cover with mushroom mixture.
• Add remaining eggplant slices; pour on 2 cups marinara sauce and top with slices of mozzarella.
• Bake until hot and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
• Let stand 10 minutes before serving.