Eggplant Lasagna Recipe
Try this Eggplant Lasagna Recipe. It is the best way to enjoy a rich and cheesy casserole that replaces heavy noodles with tender.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants sliced into 1/4-inch thick planks.
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- 15 ounces of ricotta cheese.
- 1 large egg lightly beaten.
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- 3 cups of marinara sauce homemade or store-bought.
- 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil chopped.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
Instructions
Prep the Eggplant
- Heat your oven to 400°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roast the Slices
- Brush both sides of the eggplant with oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano. Bake for 20 minutes until soft.
Make the Filling
- In your large bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and half of the fresh basil.
Start the Layers
- Lower the oven to 375°F. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
Build the Base
- Place a single layer of roasted eggplant over the sauce. Top with 1/3 of the ricotta mixture and 1/3 of the mozzarella.
Repeat the Process
- Add another layer of sauce, eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella. Continue until you use all the ingredients.
Final Topping
- End with a layer of marinara sauce and a generous topping of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake to Bubbly
- Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is brown and the sauce is bubbling. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Salt the eggplant. If your eggplant is very large, sprinkle the raw slices with salt for 15 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness.
- Roast before layering. Never put raw eggplant in the lasagna; roasting it first ensures a firm texture rather than a mushy one.
- Wick away moisture. Pat the roasted slices with a paper towel before layering to prevent the lasagna from becoming watery.
- Use full-fat ricotta. Using whole milk ricotta provides a much creamier and richer flavor that stands up to the vegetables.
- Let it rest. This is the most important step; resting allows the layers to set so you get a perfect, clean slice every time.
- Add a spice. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce adds a wonderful warmth to the cheesy dish.