With a vibrant purple skin and plumpness that begs to be fondled, eggplant stands out like a beacon among the greens, reds, oranges and yellows in the produce department. You'll catch glimpses of shoppers picking up an eggplant, pondering their cooking options, and often putting it down to move on to easier options like green beans and squash.
It's time to give eggplant its due. No longer limited to eggplant Parmesan, you can turn out toothsome dishes that garner great reviews from both vivacious vegetarians and cautious meat lovers. Next time you're at the market, grab an eye-catching eggplant and let the magic emerge.
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How to make zucchini eggplant gratin casserole
No need to "pre"-prepare the eggplant for this dish. The bitterness dissipates when you layer it with zucchini and tomatoes and let all the juices marry in the oven. The final step of uncovering the casserole and returning it to the oven to crisp the bread crumbs adds memorable texture and taste. Get the recipe here.
No need to "pre"-prepare the eggplant for this dish. The bitterness dissipates when you layer it with zucchini and tomatoes and let all the juices marry in the oven. The final step of uncovering the casserole and returning it to the oven to crisp the bread crumbs adds memorable texture and taste. Get the recipe here.
How to make Italian sausage and eggplant casserole
Transforming an eggplant into "noodles" is easy with a mandoline or wide vegetable peeler. Layer those noodles with spicy or sweet Italian sausage, onions, garlic, fresh spinach, ricotta and mozzarella. Douse it generously with pureed roasted red peppers from a jar for a super-easy and quick lasagna. Get the recipe here.
Transforming an eggplant into "noodles" is easy with a mandoline or wide vegetable peeler. Layer those noodles with spicy or sweet Italian sausage, onions, garlic, fresh spinach, ricotta and mozzarella. Douse it generously with pureed roasted red peppers from a jar for a super-easy and quick lasagna. Get the recipe here.
How to make eggplant ricotta casserole
This easier, quicker version of eggplant Parmesan is sure to become your go-to vegetarian dinner entree. Ricotta provides a rich creaminess, and mozzarella replaces the Parmesan for added gooey goodness. Buttered bread crumbs in the topping add a crunchy layer that complements the softer elements of the dish. Get the recipe here.
This easier, quicker version of eggplant Parmesan is sure to become your go-to vegetarian dinner entree. Ricotta provides a rich creaminess, and mozzarella replaces the Parmesan for added gooey goodness. Buttered bread crumbs in the topping add a crunchy layer that complements the softer elements of the dish. Get the recipe here.
How to make eggplant bean casserole
Pairing unpeeled eggplant and white kidney beans is genius when you combine them with diced canned tomatoes, celery and onions. Mixing white wine with the canned diced tomatoes for the sauce adds a piquant depth of flavor. In less than an hour, you're serving a unique and tantalizing dish sure to get rave reviews. Get the recipe here.
Pairing unpeeled eggplant and white kidney beans is genius when you combine them with diced canned tomatoes, celery and onions. Mixing white wine with the canned diced tomatoes for the sauce adds a piquant depth of flavor. In less than an hour, you're serving a unique and tantalizing dish sure to get rave reviews. Get the recipe here.
How to make eggplant Parmesan casserole
There's usually room to improve a classic, and this recipe doesn't disappoint. With three cups of cheese including Parmesan, fontina and mozzarella, every morsel is a cheese-lover's treat. Fresh basil not only adds a gourmet flavor to the dish, it fills your home with the hypnotic aroma of an Italian grandmother's kitchen. Get the recipe here.
There's usually room to improve a classic, and this recipe doesn't disappoint. With three cups of cheese including Parmesan, fontina and mozzarella, every morsel is a cheese-lover's treat. Fresh basil not only adds a gourmet flavor to the dish, it fills your home with the hypnotic aroma of an Italian grandmother's kitchen. Get the recipe here.
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