Innovative Eggplant Lasagna: A Creative Twist on Traditional Italian Dishes

Looking for a unique take on eggplant parmesan and traditional lasagna? Here's a recipe for eggplant lasagna that combines the best of both worlds. The result is a beautiful and flavorful dish that is sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients and Preparation

Eggplant Preparation

Start by preparing the eggplant slices. Wash and peel the eggplant, then cut a few slices off the short end. Place them on one of the flat ends and slice them vertically. These slices should be about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick.

Dredge the slices in a seasoned flour mixture which includes flour, onion and garlic powder, and salt. Dip the slices in beaten egg whites until frothy, then coat in bread crumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere well. Pan fry the slices in cooking oil over medium-high heat until they are browned on both sides.

Marinara Sauce

Next, prepare your marinara sauce. Use pureed tomatoes, no chunks or lumps, and adjust the seasoning to your taste. I prefer my sauce with garlic, oregano, and basil, and a little sugar to balance the acidity. Thicken the sauce with water if necessary, especially if using Barilla oven-ready lasagna noodles.

Lasagna Assembly

In a 13x9 inch glass baking dish, spray the bottom with cooking oil. Begin with a layer of marinara sauce, followed by one layer of Barilla oven-ready lasagna noodles. Top with another layer of sauce, a second layer of noodles, and then add a layer of fried eggplant slices. Sprinkle a layer of sliced mozzarella cheese over the eggplant.

Repeat the process with one layer of noodles, sauce, eggplant, and cheese. Add a final layer of noodles and sauce, and spray the top lightly with cooking oil. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and bake in a 350-degree Fahrenheit (175-degree Celsius) oven for 40 minutes. Once done, remove carefully, uncover, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Allow to stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it with extra marinara sauce on the side!

Why Try This Recipe?

This eggplant lasagna offers a delightful twist on traditional recipes, providing a healthier alternative that still delivers the flavors you love. By substituting the ricotta cheese layer with fried eggplant slices, this lasagna not only tastes great but also offers a unique texture and visual appeal. It's perfect for those who enjoy eggplant parmesan but want to try something new in the context of a lasagna dish.

If you love the simplicity and flavor of eggplant parmesan, you will definitely enjoy this innovative version of lasagna. It's a dish that can be adjusted to suit your taste, and the result is a comforting and delicious meal that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Buon appetito! Bon appétit!