Stuffed Eggplant Parm

*Serves 4

Ingredients

2 eggplants, washed and stems trimmed

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

½ onion, diced

2 tomatoes, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

½ cup water

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

¼ - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons cream

¼ cup breadcrumbs

8 slices hot Genoa salami

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese

2 cups pasta of choice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Slice eggplants in half, then carefully score the inside by making long diagonal cuts. Be sure not to cut all the way through the eggplant, though, as we want to keep the skin intact!

3. Insert slices of garlic into the scored eggplant – evenly divide the garlic slices between the four halves.

4. Drizzle each eggplant half with olive oil and then season with salt and pepper.

5. Grease a non-stick baking pan with more olive oil, then place the eggplant halves cut side down onto the pan. Place in the oven and bake for 20 – 25 minutes, until skin is wrinkled and browned, and flesh is soft.

6. While the eggplant bakes, heat an additional tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan. Add one piece of diced onion to the pan to test the heat. Once it starts to sizzle, add the rest!

7. Cook the onion for 2 – 3 minutes, until softened.

8. Add the tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes and stir until they evenly coat the onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

9. Next add the vinegar and cook until evaporated.

10. Next, add the chopped tomatoes and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook until thickened, smashing down the tomatoes every once in a while.

11. Once sauce is thickened, water is evaporated, and tomatoes are thoroughly crushed, add the cream.

12. By this time, the eggplant should be done baking. Remove the baking pan from the oven and scoop out the flesh (and the roasted garlic slices!) and add to the tomato sauce. Mash until evenly combined.

13. Be sure to reserve the eggplant skin and keep it intact after removing the flesh.

14. Place a generous scoop of the tomato and eggplant filling back into each of the eggplant skin. Sprinkle with some of the Parmesan and mozzarella and add 2 slices of salami per half.

15. Add another scoop of tomato filling to each eggplant half, then sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese.

16. Place the tray back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.

17. While the eggplant bakes, cook your pasta following the package instructions.

18. Remove the eggplant from the oven. The cheese should be melted and browned.

19. Serve alongside pasta, and pair with a green salad for a balanced and delicious meal!

Recipe was developed & photographed by Alex Chesney, RD