Nonna’s Eggplant Lasagna

By Marisa Girgenti

Can also be a tasty vegetarian option. Just omit the meat.

YIELD: 12 squares

INGREDIENTS

4 small sized eggplant, peeled & sliced uniformly lengthwise
Bowl with flour (approx. ½-2/3 cup; can use whole wheat or spelt or any flour of choice)
1 tsp. salt – combine with the above flour mixture
Skim mozzarella cheese (approx. ½ cup)
Parmesan cheese (approx. 1/3 cup)
Tomato sauce – 1-2 hrs. cooking time

SAUCE INGREDIENTS
 
796 ml of pureed tomatoes
½ can (156ml) of tomato paste – 78ml/approx. 1/3 cup
1 Lb. extra lean ground beef
2 cloves of minced garlic or 1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
1-2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring sauce to a boil & then simmer for approx. 2 hrs. stirring occasionally.

*For an added spicy kick, add a chopped hot pepper to the sauce mix or chili pepper flakes to taste.

 

PREPARATION

Prepare a pan (9 ½ X9 ½ inch) by lining it with foil.

Peel and slice your eggplant.

Coat the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of your prepared meat sauce.

Lightly coat the eggplant slices in the flour mixture as you layer and be sure to
shake off the excess flour before you place them onto the pan.

Position several eggplant slices to cover the pan (eggplant can overlap).

Spread your meat sauce over the first layer of eggplant.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Repeat with eggplant slices that have been coated with the flour mixture.

Spread meat sauce over the eggplant slices.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cover the pan with foil (shiny side up).

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 oF. Bake at 400 oF for approx. 30 mins.
Reduce oven temperature to 350 and cook for another 30 mins.

We want to extend a very sincere thank you to Nonna/Mrs. Marisa Girgenti (Marco’s mom) for sharing this unique and very healthy creation! This is absolutely DELICIOUS and the first time I actually tried it, I didn’t know it wasn’t ‘true’ lasagna. No pasta in this creation, folks.  This version serves to lower both the calories and carbs and is an exceptional way to increase your vegetable intake. I was surprised to see how quickly and easily it all came together, minus the sauce prep.  For a vegetarian dish, simply omit the meat. Enjoy!