**Eggplant Casserole: A Mediterranean Delight with Endless Variations**
Eggplant casserole, a delectable dish originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of the Mediterranean, captivates taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This versatile dish showcases the humble eggplant, transformed into a tender and flavorful centerpiece, complemented by a rich and savory sauce. Whether you prefer a classic Italian rendition, a hearty Greek moussaka, or a spicy Middle Eastern twist, the world of eggplant casserole offers a culinary adventure like no other.
From the sun-kissed shores of Italy, the classic eggplant Parmesan beckons with its layers of golden-brown eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Each bite promises a symphony of flavors and textures, with the crispy eggplant yielding to the soft cheese and the tangy sauce adding a burst of acidity.
Greece proudly presents moussaka, a culinary masterpiece that combines layers of eggplant, minced meat, and a velvety béchamel sauce. The tender eggplant slices, infused with the savory meat and aromatic spices, create a harmonious balance of flavors. The creamy béchamel sauce, a hallmark of moussaka, adds a touch of richness and decadence, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
Venture into the vibrant culinary realm of the Middle East, where eggplant casserole takes on a spicy and aromatic twist. Known as "makdous," this dish features whole eggplants stuffed with a tantalizing mixture of ground beef, rice, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices. The eggplants are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infusing them with a symphony of flavors and aromas. Each bite of makdous is a journey through the vibrant spice markets of the Middle East.
But the culinary journey doesn't end there. Eggplant casserole continues to inspire creativity and innovation in kitchens worldwide. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your unique spin on this timeless dish. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables or a seafood extravaganza with succulent shrimp and mussels, the possibilities are endless.
MAMA'S OH-SO-SAVORY LAMB AND EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
The basis of this recipe came from my 4th grade teacher's mother who was Armenian, and I've been making it for over 50 years. It is easy to put together, but the longer the stovetop step simmers, the better the casserole will be when served. Leftovers are yummy! You could serve this over rice, if you like, with a green salad. I just serve it in pasta bowls with crusty bread, butter, and a nice glass of red wine. Enjoy!
Provided by MAMA2EANDJ
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Lamb Ground
Time 2h35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Place eggplant in a colander set in a bowl or the sink; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and toss to coat. Let eggplant stand for at least 1 hour. Rinse off the bitter liquid and excess salt and drain well.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and celery; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent and celery is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- While vegetables are cooking, combine ground cumin, oregano, rosemary, paprika, mint, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or mortar and pestle and mix well; this is the lamb seasoning (see Cook's Note). Set seasoning aside.
- Stir eggplant cubes and garlic into the vegetables in the skillet, mixing well, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and sprinkle with half of the lamb seasoning mixture. Reserve remaining seasoning. Stir gently and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Pour chicken broth and half the can of tomato sauce into the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes; add a little water if the sauce starts to get dry. Transfer the sauce to the prepared casserole dish.
- Return the skillet to the stove over medium-high heat and heat the reserved tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place ground lamb into skillet and sprinkle with remaining seasoning mixture. Brown lamb in the hot oil, stirring frequently, until the meat is evenly browned; it should look like imperfect meatballs.
- Gently transfer the lamb to the casserole dish, pushing it down into the vegetable mixture so that it is at least partially submerged. Stir fresh lemon juice into the remaining tomato sauce and pour the sauce over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon how tender you like your vegetables.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.6 calories, Carbohydrate 22.6 g, Cholesterol 77.2 mg, Fat 23.2 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 1471.2 mg, Sugar 12.2 g
EGGPLANT AND TOMATO CASSEROLE
This is a delicious, easy-to-make, vegetarian casserole! Eggplant, tomato and onion are layered and seasoned with a splash of balsamic vinegar before being topped off with bread crumbs. There are a million variations and additions that you can make to this recipe! Be creative!
Provided by LPATTERSON1978
Categories Side Dish Casseroles
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Season the eggplant slices with salt, and let stand for about 10 minutes. Drain off liquid.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly brown the eggplant slices on each side.
- Place a layer of the eggplant slices in an 8 inch square baking dish or casserole dish. Place some tomato slices over the eggplant, and then a few slices of onion. Repeat layers until you run out of eggplant. Pour balsamic vinegar over everything. In a small bowl, stir together the bread crumbs and remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Spread in a layer over the vegetables.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is golden brown and the eggplant is tender.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 328.6 calories, Carbohydrate 36.1 g, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 212.6 mg, Sugar 12.3 g
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.
EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) CASSEROLE
Make and share this Eggplant (Aubergine) Casserole recipe from Food.com.
Provided by KJ1036
Categories Cheese
Time 1h5m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Heat oil in saucepan.
- Sauté eggplant and onion until soft.
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir through margarine until melted.
- Add remainder of ingredients, and combine well.
- Transfer to a casserole dish, and bake until golden and bubbling, approx 45 minutes.
LAYERED EGGPLANT HAMBURGER CASSEROLE
Eggplant goes great with tomato, hamburger and garlic in this easy-to-prepare and well-seasoned recipe.
Provided by Mari
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the ground beef, onion and garlic for 5 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in the tomato paste, water, tomatoes, parsley, thyme, oregano and basil. Set aside.
- Slice eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds. Place a layer of eggplant into the bottom of a lightly greased 9x12-inch glass baking dish. Then place a layer of the ground beef mixture over the eggplant, followed by a layer of sliced onion. Top this with 1/2 the breadcrumbs and cheese. Then repeat the layers: eggplant, ground beef mixture, sliced onion and remaining breadcrumbs and cheese.
- Cover and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour, remove foil and bake for 20 more minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 495 calories, Carbohydrate 26.5 g, Cholesterol 99.8 mg, Fat 29.2 g, Fiber 6.8 g, Protein 31.4 g, SaturatedFat 12.5 g, Sodium 739.1 mg, Sugar 10.4 g
EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add the eggplant and cook halfway through. Add red pepper, celery, and onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until vegetables begin to wilt. Add the basil leaves. Remove from heat. Add Parmesan, cream, bread crumbs and salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Place skillet in the oven and cook until heated through, about 20 minutes. Serve with grilled lamb chops.
EGGPLANT SAUSAGE CASSEROLE
If you want your kids to happily eat their eggplant, serve it in this lovely layered casserole. Our whole family enjoys it. Always a popular potluck item, it's a great company dish, as well. -Carol Mieske, Red Bluff, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h30m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Set sausage aside., In the same skillet, saute eggplant and onion in oil. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, basil and paprika; simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Drain pasta; stir into eggplant mixture. Add sausage., Spread half of the sausage mixture in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spread with ricotta cheese. Top with half of the cheese and remaining sausage mixture., Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 606 calories, Fat 36g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 1066mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 31g protein.
EGGPLANT, TOMATO AND CHICKPEA CASSEROLE
This dish is based on a Middle Eastern staple traditionally served with fresh Arabic bread at room temperature, though I like to serve it warm. The casserole tastes best if made a day ahead.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, casseroles
Time 2h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and brush the foil with olive oil. Place the eggplant slices on the foil, sprinkle with salt and brush each slice lightly with oil. Place in the oven for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the heat, and carefully fold the foil in half over the eggplant. Crimp the edges together, so that the eggplant is sealed inside the foil and will continue to steam and soften. Leave for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about five minutes, and add the garlic and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about a minute. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, cinnamon, basil and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer, and simmer uncovered, stirring often, for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is thick and fragrant. Add freshly ground pepper, then taste and adjust salt. Remove the basil sprig, and stir in the drained chickpeas.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 2-quart baking dish or gratin. Cover the bottom with thin layer of tomato sauce, and make a layer of half the eggplant. Spoon half the remaining sauce over the eggplant, and repeat the layers.
- Bake 30 minutes, until bubbling. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle on the parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 212, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 28 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 739 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams
BEEF AND EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
Layers of fried eggplant, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and cheeses are easily thrown together and baked to delicious perfection in this casserole dinner dish.
Provided by ladyindigo
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Eggplant
Time 1h50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray an 8-inch square glass pan with cooking spray.
- Place eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Top slices with additional paper towels; allow salt to draw off some of the moisture, 30 to 45 minutes. Press down on paper towels to get as much moisture out as you can.
- Combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, cinnamon, and ginger in a bowl. Dredge eggplant slices in mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Place floured eggplant slices in pan and cook until edges start to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip; cook until crisp on edges but still soft in centers, 3 to 4 minutes more. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until onions are softened and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Layer eggplant slices to cover bottom of the prepared pan; follow with ground beef, 1/2 can diced tomatoes, 1/2 the Cheddar cheese and 1/2 the Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat layers, starting with eggplant slices. Dredge any remaining eggplant slices in Parmesan cheese and place on top of casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbling and top is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.8 calories, Carbohydrate 28.6 g, Cholesterol 66 mg, Fat 24.8 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 22.8 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 464.7 mg, Sugar 3.9 g
EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
When I was a little girl, I used to love the eggplant casserole at Luby's Cafeteria. This is pretty similar.
Provided by Kerriedoll
Categories Oven
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt butter.
- In large bowl, mix together eggplant, celery, bell peppers, onion, soup, pimientos, eggs, butter (melted) salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Stove Top, mixing everything together thoroughly.
- Place in 9 x 13 casserole, coated with nonstick cooking spray.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with tinfoil and bake at 350 for one hour.
LAMB AND EGGPLANT CASSEROLE (MOUSSAKA)
Provided by David Kamen
Categories Tomato Bake Dinner Casserole/Gratin Ground Lamb Eggplant Fall Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 27
Steps:
- To prepare the eggplant:
- 1. Place the eggplant in a colander, toss liberally with salt, and let sit for about 1 hour to drain away extra water. Squeeze out the excess water and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
- 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Working in batches, fry the eggplant slices, turning as necessary, until tender and light brown, 4 to 5 minutes total. Transfer the cooked slices to a rack set over a baking sheet to drain while you sauté the remaining eggplant. Set aside.
- To prepare the meat sauce:
- 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender, about 10 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until just browned, about 5 minutes.
- 2. Add the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, bay leaf, and 1/2 cup water and bring the liquids to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, season with salt and pepper, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced and the sauce is very thick, about 30 minutes.
- 3. Add the red wine and continue simmering until the wine has reduced and developed a sweet aroma, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Set the sauce aside.
- To prepare the cheese sauce:
- 1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk until it is dissolved and the mixture resembles a smooth paste, about 2 minutes.
- 2. Gradually whisk in the milk about 1 cup at a time, working out any lumps that form. Bring the sauce to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low and gently simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
- 3. In a medium bowl lightly beat the egg yolks. Whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to bring them up to the same temperature. Slowly add the yolk mixture to the rest of the milk mixture, then add the cheese and blend well. Set aside and keep warm.
- To assemble the moussaka:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- 2. Scatter the breadcrumbs in a deep, rectangular baking dish. Arrange about half of the eggplant slices in an even layer over the breadcrumbs. Add all of the meat sauce over the eggplant and spread into an even layer. Arrange the remaining eggplant in an even layer over the meat sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the eggplant.
- 3. Bake the moussaka until the cheese sauce is thick and golden brown and the eggplant is very tender, about 45 minutes. Let the moussaka rest for 25 minutes before serving.
EGGPLANT, POTATO AND PEPPER CASSEROLE
Categories Potato Tomato Side Bake Vegetarian Casserole/Gratin Eggplant Bell Pepper Healthy Vegan Thyme Bon Appétit
Yield Serves 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Place eggplant slices on 2 baking sheets. Lightly salt eggplant on both sides. Let stand 1 hour. Using paper towels, pat eggplant dry, wiping off salt.
- Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juices and thyme sprigs; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture is reduced to 2 1/2 cups, breaking up tomatoes with back of spoon, about 20 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Discard thyme sprigs.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Add oil to 2 large skillets to depth of 1/4 inch. Heat over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add eggplant to skillets and cook until golden, adding more oil to skillets as necessary, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels and drain. Working in batches, add potatoes to skillets, cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer potatoes to paper towels. Add green peppers to same skillet; sauté until almost tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels.
- Layer half of eggplant in 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon thyme. Spoon 1/2 cup sauce over. Top with half of potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Top with 1 tablespoon thyme. Spoon 1/2 cup sauce over. Place all pepper slices over. Season with salt and pepper. Top with 1 tablespoon thyme. Spoon 1/2 cup sauce over. Top with remaining eggplant. Top with 1 tablespoon thyme. Spoon 1/2 cup sauce over. Top with remaining potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Top with 1 tablespoon thyme and 1/2 cup sauce.
- Bake uncovered until vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
WEIGHT WATCHER EASY CHEESY EGGPLANT CASSEROLE (3 WW POINTS)
From angelfire.com! sounds yummy! Will update when I make!:) UPDATE!: 3-18-09 I really liked this. i added mushrooms and garlic(of course :) ) and it was great! It was fast to make and low in points what else could you ask for?
Provided by punkyluv
Categories Vegetable
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Grill eggplant on George Foreman Grill for about 5-10 minutes until soft. Spray 8x8 baking pan with nonstick spray. Put eggplant on bottom of pan. Spread spaghetti sauce over eggplant. Mix cottage cheese and mozzarella, and spread it over sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350º for 30-35 minutes and serve hot.
- Serving Size : 4
- Per serving: 154 Calories; 6g Fat (32% calories from fat); 15g Protein; 12g Carbohydrate; 13mg Cholesterol; 473mg Sodium.
EGGPLANT AND ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE
A layered casserole made with veggies, Colby cheese, and a stuffing mix.
Provided by Linda S. Gibson
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Eggplant
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a microwavable bowl, mix water and margarine (cut into pieces). Stir in stuffing mix and cover with a microwavable lid. Cook on HIGH for 8 to 10 minutes. Fluff with fork.
- Place eggplant, zucchini, tomato, onion into a large skillet. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir over medium low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart casserole dish.
- Layer vegetables, cheese, and stuffing in the dish until all ingredients have been used, ending with cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 496.5 calories, Carbohydrate 49.7 g, Cholesterol 67.8 mg, Fat 25.8 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 1077.3 mg, Sugar 10.5 g
EGGPLANT, LAMB AND YOGURT CASSEROLE
This hearty dish is inspired by moussaka, but simpler to prepare. Everything is baked in one roasting pan, with the different elements added in stages. Made with yogurt, cheese and egg, the topping cuts wonderfully through the richness of the eggplant and lamb, even though it lacks the body of béchamel. If you can get them, sweet and properly ripened tomatoes would be better than the canned ones. This is best served with a piece of pita or a slice of white bread to scoop it all up.
Provided by Yotam Ottolenghi
Categories dinner, casseroles, meat, main course
Time 2h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit/240 degrees Celsius.
- Add the eggplant, lamb, onion, oregano, oil, tomato paste, garlic, cinnamon, allspice, red-pepper flakes, 1 3/4 teaspoons salt and a good grind of pepper to a 10-by-13-inch/26-by-34-centimeter (or similar) roasting pan (tin) and mix well to combine. Bake until the mixture is well browned, stirring twice throughout and breaking apart the meat with a spoon, 30 to 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and continue to break apart the meat very well (don't worry if you break apart some of the eggplant, too). Add the canned tomatoes with their juices, lightly crushing the tomatoes by hand. Stir in the chicken stock and parsley then return to the oven and bake for another 35 minutes, stirring twice throughout, until the sauce is thick and rich and the eggplant is very soft. Remove from the oven and turn the oven temperature up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit/250 degrees Celsius.
- While the casserole is in the oven, prepare the topping: Whisk together the yogurt, yolks, flour, garlic and half the Parmesan with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper. Once ready, spoon the yogurt mixture over the lamb and eggplant, gently spreading to cover. Top evenly with the remaining Parmesan, feta, pine nuts, parsley and red-pepper flakes.
- Bake until golden and bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 707, UnsaturatedFat 27 grams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 50 grams, Fiber 11 grams, Protein 34 grams, SaturatedFat 18 grams, Sodium 1547 milligrams, Sugar 18 grams
CHEESY VEGETABLE CASSEROLE WITH EGGPLANT
A combination of eggplant, Cheddar cheese, and other vegetables that marries the flavors into a tasty, colorful, festive casserole with a hint of sweetness.
Provided by woodpqrstu
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Eggplant
Time 1h10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add eggplant and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and pour eggplant into an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Melt butter in a 3-quart saucepan on medium heat. Add flour and mix to create a paste. Add tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, brown sugar, and salt and cook over medium to medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until mixture bubbles and thickens, 5 to 10 minutes. Pour mixture over the eggplant in the baking dish.
- Cover the vegetables in the baking dish with Cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 281 calories, Carbohydrate 26.4 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 15.9 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 10.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 840.2 mg, Sugar 11.9 g
EGGPLANT, TOMATO AND CHICKPEA CASSEROLE
This is a recipe from Martha Rose Shulman that was published in the New York Times. I made a few modifications based on reader comments and have altered the recipe accordingly. Two thumbs up from hubby!
Provided by lecole54
Categories Beans
Time 1h45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Step 1 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and brush the foil with olive oil. Place the eggplant slices on the foil, sprinkle with salt and brush each slice lightly with oil. Place in the oven for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the heat, and carefully fold the foil in half over the eggplant. Crimp the edges together, so that the eggplant is sealed inside the foil and will continue to steam and soften. Leave for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 2 Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about five minutes, and add the garlic and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about a minute. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, cinnamon, basil and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer, and simmer uncovered, stirring often, for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is thick and fragrant. Add freshly ground pepper, then taste and adjust salt. Remove the basil sprig, and stir in the drained chickpeas.
- Step 3 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 2¬quart baking dish or gratin. Cover the bottom with thin layer of tomato sauce, and make a layer of half the eggplant. Spoon half the remaining sauce over the eggplant, and repeat the layers.
- Step 4 Bake 30 minutes, until bubbling. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle on the parsley before serving.
NEW ORLEANS EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
This dish may be served as a main course or as a side dish. It is highly modifiable depending on your taste. Personally, I cannot eat onions and green peppers, so I skip those. You can use less or more rice depending on whether you wish to serve as a main or a side. If you do not like spicy food, use mild sausage or all ground beef and no cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Some Cajun purists may complain, but as a bonafide Coon A**, I can assure you that some of us cannot always eat with such gusto. A true taste of the Big Easy.
Provided by Helen Ann Hebert
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Sausage
Time 4h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Slice the eggplants 3/4 inch thick, and sprinkle each side with salt. Allow slices to drain in colander set in the sink for 2 to 3 hours. Wipe off excess salt, but do not rinse slices. Lay the slices into a large skillet with about 2 or 3 tablespoons of water. Cover, and steam over medium heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove and cut the slices into 3/4 inch cubes.
- Bring the rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the eggplant cubes for about 10 minutes to slightly dry them, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 2 more minutes. Transfer the eggplant to a large bowl.
- Cook the fennel in skillet until tender, 5 to 8 minutes; transfer into bowl with eggplant. In the same skillet, brown the pork sausage and ground beef, breaking the meat up into crumbles as it cooks, about 10 minutes. Add meat to eggplant mixture. Drain excess fat from skillet; cook celery, onion, and green pepper until the celery has started to become tender and onion is translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer vegetables to bowl with eggplant and meat.
- Stir cayenne pepper and hot sauce into the mixture, combining the eggplant and meat thoroughly; gently stir in the cooked rice. Check for seasoning, and add salt if necessary. Place the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the casserole with crumbs, and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven until hot, about 40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 486.4 calories, Carbohydrate 49.5 g, Cholesterol 57.9 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 12.4 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 439.6 mg, Sugar 8.8 g
LUBY'S BAKED EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
I was looking for the Luby Eggplant Casserole, and a Luby relative offered this recipe to someone. I wrote and asked if they'd share, and this is the recipe. I've never eaten at Luby's, but I'm told this is their recipe.
Provided by Bliss
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h30m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bake Mexican cornbread per packet directions. Cut into halves after baking as you will only use 1/2 (approx 8x4x1").
- Note: If you know how to make Mexican cornbread from scratch, it's better than the individual packets, but the packets will do. Slice bacon into small 1/8-1/4" pieces and fry in a deep skillet until almost done (brown but not crispy).
- Dice eggplant, onion, and tomato into 1/4-1/2" pieces.
- Add first onion to skillet and saute about 5 minutes on med-low. Add eggplant, tomato, salt, pepper, garlic powder, corn, margarine and saute another 5-7 minutes. Everything is now becoming transparent and starting to mesh together nicely.
- Add chicken or celery soup, mix in, then add American cheese and stir until cheese has fully melted into mixture.
- Take half the cornbread you baked, crumble it, and stir into the mixture. Pour into 9x3" round casserole dish or comparable square one and cover with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes or until internal temperature is 165°F Remove foil and cover with shredded cheddar for final 10 minutes of baking. Do not let cheddar turn dark.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.5, Fat 10.7, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 10.7, Sodium 543.8, Carbohydrate 12.8, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 3.4, Protein 4.9
ITALIAN EGGPLANT, ZUCCHINI AND TOMATO CASSEROLE
Make and share this Italian Eggplant, Zucchini and Tomato Casserole recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Myra9035
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Chop eggplant first, and sprinkle the eggplant pieces with 1 teaspoons of the salt. Set this aside to sit while you chop the other veggies.
- After about 15-20 minutes, place the salted eggplant in a colander and rinse it under cool water to remove the salt and bitter juices. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot and mix into the oil. Add the garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Italian seasoning. Add the zucchini, and saute another 2 minutes. Add the eggplant, saute another 2 minutes, and then add the tomatoes. Remove from heat.
- Season the vegetable mixture in the pan with the remaining salt and pepper. Whisk the egg, add it to the pan and mix this through the veggies, along with 1 Tb. of the parmesan cheese and the optional 1/2 cup of TVP.
- Pour the veggie mixture from the pan into a casserole dish, and top off with the remaining 1 Tb. cheese and the breadcrumbs.
- Cover the dish with foil or a lid, and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until nicely browned.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Eggplant: Select firm, shiny eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid eggplants with bruises, cuts, or wrinkles.
- Salting the Eggplant: Salting the eggplant slices before cooking helps draw out excess moisture and reduce bitterness. Don't skip this step for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices make all the difference in the flavor of your casserole. Choose the best quality ingredients you can find.
- Don't Overcook the Eggplant: Overcooked eggplant becomes mushy and loses its texture. Cook it just until it is tender but still holds its shape.
- Use a Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key ingredient in this casserole, so use a cheese that you love and that melts well. Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar are all great options.
- Serve Immediately: Eggplant casserole is best served hot out of the oven. The longer it sits, the more the eggplant will absorb the sauce and lose its crispy texture.
Conclusion:
Eggplant casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. With its combination of tender eggplant, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese, it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Experiment with different variations of the recipe, such as adding different vegetables, herbs, or cheeses, to create your own unique dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, eggplant casserole is an easy and satisfying recipe that you'll love making again and again.
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