Eggplant Parmesan I

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant , cut into 3/4 inch slices
• 1.5 tablespoons salt
• 8 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg , beaten
• 0.5 cups chopped fresh basil
• 4 cups pasta sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt. Place slices in a colander, and place a dish underneath the colander to capture liquid that will sweat out of the eggplant. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix in egg and basil.

3. 3

   Rinse the eggplant in cold water until all salt is removed. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Place one layer of eggplant in the pan, brown each side. Repeat with remaining eggplant slices, using additional oil if necessary.

4. 4

   In a 9x13 inch baking dish, evenly spread 1 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce. Arrange a single layer of eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Top the eggplant with 1/2 of the cheese mixture. Repeat layering process until all the eggplant and cheese mixture is used. Pour remaining sauce on top of layers, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

5. 5

   Bake 30 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until sauce is bubbly.