Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant
  • Salt
  • 2 eggs, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
  • 1 1/2 cups plain bread crumbs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • Olive oil, for frying
  • 1 or 2 tablespoons butter, depending on taste
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • Scant 1/4 cup chopped peppadew peppers
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 to 2 garlic cloves pressed through a garlic press
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley leaves
  • Minced garlic
  • Shredded Parmesan
  • 1/2 (16-ounce) box lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ball fresh mozzerella cheese, cubed or shredded
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved and tossed with some vinaigrette, for garnish

Method

  • Peel and slice the eggplant and salt it in a colander.
  • Cover with paper towels and a tea kettle that is full and heavy.
  • Let stand for about 1 hour until moisture is released.
  • This first step is very important to remove any bitterness.
  • Batter the eggplant by dipping first in beaten eggs, then in bread crumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, and garlic powder.
  • (If you need to use store bought seasoned bread crumbs omit salt and pepper.)
  • In a deep sided fry pan heat the olive oil to 350 degrees F. Add a little butter (for flavor) and fry the eggplant in batches until golden brown.
  • Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  • Make the vinaigrette of red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped peppadews, sugar, oregano and garlic.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Chop the mint and Italian parsley.
  • Spoon 2 tablespoons vinaigrette in the bottom of a large bowl.
  • Layer eggplant slices with the chopped mint, parsley, and the vinaigrette.
  • Top with more of the vinaigrette and marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • (Cook's note: you can also add to the layers more minced garlic and shredded Parmesan.)
  • Boil the lasagna noodles with a little oil, so that they do not stick, and some salt, to impart some flavor.
  • In a beautiful serving dish layer the marinated eggplant, the noodles, then sprinkle with some fresh mozzarella, then the basil and finally drizzle with the vinaigrette.
  • Repeat until all the layers are formed, making sure that the noodle is not the last layer.
  • Garnish with cherry tomatoes.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve at room temperature for the best summer lasagna.
  • Manga!!