Summer Eggplant Lasagna

Submitted by Stephanie Y.

"This recipe by Elizabeth Morath won the Ultimate Recipe Showdown for Pasta! I can't wait to try this one it looked so good and earned almost a perfect score of 99! It looks much different than traditional lasagna."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 45mins
• Ingredients: 20
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• For the Eggplant

• 1 eggplant
• salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1⁄2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1⁄2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• olive oil, for frying
• 1 -2 tablespoon butter, depending on taste

• Vinaigrette

• 1⁄2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup chopped Peppadew pepper
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• salt & freshly ground black pepper

• For the assembly

• 1⁄2 cup basil leaves, torn
• 1⁄2 cup mint leaf, torn
• 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, torn
• 0.5 (16 ounce) box lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ball fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed or 1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded

directions

1. Peel and slice the eggplant and salt it in a colander. Cover with paper towels and a tea kettle that is full and heavy. Let stand for about 1 hour until moisture is released. This first step is very important to remove any bitterness.
2. Batter the eggplant by dipping first in beaten eggs, then in homemade bread crumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano and parsley. (If you need to use store bought seasoned bread crumbs add salt and pepper.)
3. In a deep sided fry pan heat the olive oil to 350 degrees F. Add a little butter (for flavor) and fry the eggplant in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
4. Make the vinaigrette of red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped peppadews and a little sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Chop the basil, mint and Italian parsley.
6. Boil the lasagna noodles with a little oil, so that they do not stick, and some salt, to impart some flavor.
7. In a beautiful serving dish layer the noodles, then the eggplant then sprinkle with some fresh mozzarella, then the herbs and finally drizzle with the vinaigrette.
8. Repeat until all the layers are formed, making sure that the noodle is not the last layer.
9. Serve at room temperature for the best summer lasagna. Manga!