Eggplant (Aubergine) and Ham Souffle

Bitsie's Note:

This is another recipe from my Cuban girlfriend. She said it came courtesy of Cocina Cubana club in Miami. Although I haven't made this yet I have devored this at her house. Light and savory main dish. So Good!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 medium eggplant , cut in half
• ¼ lb sweet ham , ground
• ¼ lb butter
• 2 tablespoons onions , chopped fine
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 4 eggs , separated and yolks beaten- save whites
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

1. Cook the two eggplant halves in salted water until soft (about 15 min.) Scoop the pulp and put in blender or food processor and grind.
2. Mix the ground ham with the eggplant pulp.
3. Melt the butter and saute the onion.
4. Using a food processor or blender: Pour the cooked onions in the bowl, add flour, milk, salt and pepper and process until a white sauce is made.
5. Cook the sauce in a Baine Marie process or in a saucepan at a very low temperature on top of stove, until thickened to desired consistency of cream.
6. Add the beaten egg yolks to the ham and eggplant mixture.
7. Add the white sauce and mix well.
8. Beat the reserved egg white to merengue consistency, slowly adding the baking powder as you beat.
9. Gently incorporate into the eggplant mixture.
10. Pour into a souffle dish and bake at 375oF for approximately 45 minutes.