Sicilian Eggplant Lasagne Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• STEP 2.Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
• STEP 3.Rinse the eggplant slices and pat dry with a paper towel.
• STEP 4.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• STEP 5.In the same skillet, add diced onions and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
• STEP 6.Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
• STEP 7.Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
• STEP 8.In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
• STEP 9.Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer with eggplant slices, ricotta mixture, and tomato sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of tomato sauce on top.
• STEP 10.Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
• STEP 11.Let the lasagne cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
• STEP 12.Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips

• Choose firm and glossy eggplants for the best results.
• You can add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the lasagne for extra flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a meaty lasagne, you can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the tomato sauce.
• Leftover lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the lasagne in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the lasagne in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
• Serve the Sicilian Eggplant Lasagne hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for added freshness.