Eggplant

Eggplant "Parmigiana" Wisconsin Style

Courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board 4 Servings • 15 Min. Prep Time • 25 Min. Cook Time
Ingredients
1 1/2 c. (about 4 oz.) Wisconsin Aged Asiago Cheese, grated
1/4 c. dry breadcrumbs
1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 eggplant (about 24 oz.) cut crosswise in 16 thin (3/16-in. thick) slices
salt and pepper to taste
2 1/2 c. seasoned tomato or marinara sauce, homemade or top quality purchased
8 oz. Wisconsin Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, cut in 16 slices
16 fresh basil leaves
2 Tbsp. capers, rinsed
1/4 c. Italian green olives, pitted and sliced 3/16-inch thick

Directions:

1. In small bowl, mix Asiago Cheese, breadcrumbs and 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil; set aside.

2. Using 3 Tbsp. of the olive oil, brush eggplant slices on both sides; season with salt and pepper.

3. Heat grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill each slice 3 min.; turn and grill 2 min. longer. Remove slices and cool.

4. Heat oven to 425°F. In large baking pan, spoon 8 Tbsp.of tomato sauce in 8 circles. Place a slice of eggplant over each pool of sauce. Top with 1 slice Mozzarella, a basil leaf and another tablespoon of sauce. Repeat layers, using all ingredients and ending with all remaining tomato sauce.

5. Sprinkle the cheese/crumb mixture over each eggplant stack. Drizzle remaining 3 Tbsp. olive oil over all stacks.

6. Bake 15 min. or until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle capers and olives over each stack.

*If made ahead and refrigerated, reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake 25 min.

Recipe provided by Chef Sanford D'Amato