Acadia's Eggplant Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the smoky flavor of roasted eggplant with a creamy, cheesy sauce. The tender eggplant slices are layered with a mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, creating a rich and flavorful filling. This classic Italian casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
The article features three variations of Acadia's Eggplant Casserole: the original recipe, a vegetarian version, and a gluten-free version. The original recipe uses ground beef and Italian sausage, while the vegetarian version substitutes roasted vegetables for the meat. The gluten-free version uses gluten-free bread crumbs and pasta sauce, making it a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities.
All three recipes provide step-by-step instructions, making them easy to follow even for beginner cooks. The article also includes helpful tips for selecting the best eggplant and ensuring that it is properly roasted. With its mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures, Acadia's Eggplant Casserole is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
MOUSSAKA: EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
Greek Moussaka is an eggplant casserole with layers of roasted eggplant and spiced meat sauce, topped with creamy bechamel sauce. Once baked, be sure to allow the moussaka a few minutes to rest before cutting through, the casserole needs to settle so it does not fall apart when you slice into it. More tips in the post and recipe notes.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Entree
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Salt the eggplant. Spread the eggplant slices in one layer and sprinkle with salt. Let set for 30 minutes to "sweat out" its bitterness.
- Turn the broiler of your oven on.
- Prepare a large sheet pan or two and brush with extra virgin olive oil. Pat the eggplant slices dry, removing excess salt, and assemble in one layer on the prepared pan. Brush generously with olive oil.
- Place the sheet pan about 6 inches away from the broiler. Broil the eggplant briefly, turning over so that both sides are softened and golden brown (do not worry if parts of the eggplant are slightly charred, but watch carefully so it doesn't burn). Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onions on medium heat until they turn slightly golden brown, stirring regularly (about 5 minutes). Now add the ground lamb. Cook the lamb until fully browned, tossing regularly. Drain the lamb from any excess fat and return to the skillet. Add the dried oregano, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and hot paprika. Stir to coat the meat with the spices. Add the wine and boil for 1 minute to reduce. Stir in the canned tomatoes, sugar, and broth. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350 degrees F and work on the bechamel.
- Make the bechamel. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden (if needed, added a little more olive oil). Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot bechamel mixture with the 2 eggs. Then return all to the pan and stir into the bechamel mixture. Continue to stir or whisk the mixture bringing to a gentle boil for just 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat and allow to cool and thicken a little more. (You should have a creamy, thick and smooth bechamel sauce.)
- Assemble the moussaka. When ready, lightly oil a 9 ½" x 13" oven-safe baking dish. Layer half the eggplant slices on the bottom. Add the meat sauce and spread well. Add the remaining eggplant slices. Pour the bechamel on top and spread to cover all the eggplant, then sprinkle with the bread crumbs.
- Bake. Bake the moussaka casserole on the center rack of the heated oven for 45 minutes. If you need to, transfer the baking pan to the top rack and broil briefly so that the top of the moussaka gains a nice golden brown color (watch carefully).
- Remove from the heat and let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before cutting through into squares to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.9 kcal, Sodium 259.4 mg, Fat 20 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, TransFat 0.1 g, Carbohydrate 19.4 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 12.3 g, Cholesterol 61.2 mg, UnsaturatedFat 10.5 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ACADIA'S EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
Yet another recipe for eggplant! LOL! I have seven eggplants on my eggplant and about 6 purple flowers. How many different ways can you serve up eggplant? Eggplant ice cream anyone? LOL!
Provided by AcadiaTwo
Categories Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Pre-Heat oven at 350 degrees F.
- Chop onion into 1/4" pieces.
- In skillet add 1 tablespoon of margarine.
- On medium-low heat saute onion until translucent (not brown).
- Stir frequently.
- Add bell pepper and eggplant pieces with onion.
- Sprinkle salt over mixture.
- Saute until tender.
- Spray PAM in 2-quart baking dish.
- Add eggplant, pepper and onion mixture into baking dish.
- Mix cheeses together.
- Sprinkle cheese mixture on top of eggplant mixture.
- Bake in oven for 15-minutes or until cheese has melted.
- Serve and enjoy.
EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
With lots of vegetables, this good-for-you dish is low in calories, but full of flavor. I make it often in summer when fresh produce is abundant.-Marelyn Baugher, Holdredge, Nebraska
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil; add eggplant. Boil for 5-8 minutes or until tender;drain and set aside. , In a skillet, cook beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until tomato is tender. Remove from the heat. Stir in milk, egg and eggplant; mix well., Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Toss bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 278 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 93mg cholesterol, Sodium 151mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein.
OLD FASHIONED EGGPLANT CASSEROLE - A SOUTHERN EGGPLANT CASSEROLE RECIPE
How do you make eggplant taste good? Follow this Southern Eggplant Casserole Recipe. Adding cheese, cracker crumbs and butter to eggplant makes this Old Fashioned Eggplant Casserole the perfect side dish to any dinner.
Provided by Barbara
Categories Casserole Side Dish
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 2 quart baking dish (or 8x8 inch) with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook peeled, diced eggplant in boiling water until fork tender; drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked eggplant, beaten eggs, crushed crackers, milk, shredded cheese, melted butter and salt and pepper.
- Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
ACADIA'S EGGPLANT PARMESAN
I love eggplant and I decided to make a layered eggplant side dish without the breading that one typically sees with this type of presentation. I use a square baking dish for this treat.
Provided by AcadiaTwo
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Slice eggplant cross wise into desired thickness. (I cut it in 1/8 am inch slices / not critical).
- Place slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt to help remove the extra moisture for about 15 minutes.
- Use more paper towels and press each slice to remove moisture.
- In a skillet, saute eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Add a layer of sauteed eggplant slices to the baking dish, and
- place a dollop of marinara sauce over each slice.
- Then top each slice with a tablespoon worth of mozzarella.
- Repeat these steps until the whole eggplant is sauteed and layered in the dish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 206.7, Fat 13.8, SaturatedFat 7.9, Cholesterol 41.7, Sodium 461.1, Carbohydrate 11.1, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 6, Protein 10.3
Tips:
- Choose the right eggplant: Look for eggplants that are heavy for their size, with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid eggplants with brown spots or wrinkles.
- Don't overcook the eggplant: Eggplant can easily become mushy if it's overcooked. Cook it just until it's tender, but still has a slight bite to it.
- Use a variety of vegetables: In addition to eggplant, this casserole can be made with a variety of other vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings: This casserole is a great canvas for experimenting with different flavors. Try adding different herbs, spices, or cheeses to taste.
- Serve it hot or cold: This casserole can be served hot or cold. It's a great dish to make ahead of time for a party or potluck.
Conclusion:
Acadia's Eggplant Casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to use up leftover eggplant, and it's also a healthy and satisfying meal. With its creamy sauce, tender eggplant, and flavorful vegetables, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give Acadia's Eggplant Casserole a try. You won't be disappointed!
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