Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
2 large eggplants, cut into ¼-inch thick rounds
2 eggs, beaten
¼ cup a milk
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 teaspoons oregano
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon sea salt, more for sprinkling
Freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
28 ounces Marinara Sauce
2 large balls fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized shallow dish, whisk the eggs and milk.
- In another medium-sized shallow dish, combine the panko, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
- Dip the eggplant slices into the egg mixture and then into the panko mixture. Place onto the baking sheets, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 18 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
- In an 8×12 or 9×13-inch baking dish, spread ½ cup marinara, layer half the eggplant, and top with 1 cup of marinara and half the mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining eggplant, the remaining marinara, and the remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil. Allow to cool five minutes prior to serving.
ENJOY!