Eggplant Parmesan

Recipe adapted from The Fit Cook

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 medium tomato
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (or mozzarella)
• 3/4 cup whole grain bread crumbs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 egg
• 1 ball smoked mozzarella
• salt + pepper
• olive oil

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Wash the eggplant, then slice it into 1/2-inch rounds. Lay the eggplant on a cutting board and sprinkle with salt. Let the eggplant sit 5 minutes: the salt will draw bitter liquid out of the eggplant. Pat dry with a paper towel. Flip and repeat.

3. Beat the egg in a shallow dish or bowl and set aside. In a separate shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the bread crumbs, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.

4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. While the pan comes up to temperature, pat the eggplant dry with a paper. Pass each slice through the egg, then through the bread crumbs. Place the eggplant in the pan and cook for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra olive oil before flipping them over. Cook the second side another 5 minutes.

5. While the eggplant cooks, slice the mozzarella and wash the tomato, then cut it into 1/4-inch slices. (You can remove the seeds if you want to.)

6. Transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up. Top half of the eggplant slices with 1 slice of mozzarella, then top with another slice of eggplant. Place a slice of tomato over the eggplant, and sprinkle with 1/2 tbsp parmesan or mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.