ITALIAN EGGPLANT, ZUCCHINI AND TOMATO CASSEROLE

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.