Best Eggplant Ranch Style Recipes

ROASTED TOMATO AND EGGPLANT GRATIN

Steps:

• For the gratin topping: Combine the panko, pecorino, oil, oregano salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the oil.
• For the eggplant and tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Combine the onions, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, tomato puree, oil, soy, sriracha, garlic and eggplant flesh in a large bowl. Add half of the gratin topping. With your hands or two spoons, gently mix the vegetables and topping until thoroughly combined.
• Put the scooped-out eggplants in a baking dish. Pour the eggplant and tomato mixture into the eggplants and top each with the remaining gratin topping. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top. Bake, uncovered, until the eggplants are tender and the tops are lightly browned, 45 to 60 minutes. If after 30 minutes the tops are browning too rapidly, cover the dish with foil for the remaining cooking time.
• Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with olive oil to taste.

ROASTED EGGPLANT AND POTATOES RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425˚ F.
• Use a silicone baking mat or cover a baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray with olive oil (may substitute vegetable oil spray but I prefer the extra flavor of olive oil).
• Toss the eggplant with salt and place in a colander for 30 minutes to drain off bitter juices. (I often skip this part if my eggplant is small and very fresh.)
• Put the potatoes into a large bowl and spray with oil. Toss to lightly coat all pieces. Sprinkle half of the salad dressing mix over the potatoes and toss again. Spread on a prepared baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes.
• Rinse eggplant well and pat dry. Put the eggplant, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, and red pepper in a large bowl, spray with oil and toss with the remaining dry salad dressing. Add to potatoes on a baking pan and stir carefully. Continue roasting vegetables until tender about 30-40 minutes.
• Serve immediately. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

EGGPLANT-RANCH STYLE

Steps:

• Cook onion in oil until soft.
• Add all ingredients except cheese and cook until done, about 20-30 minutes.
• Top hot dish with cheese before serving.

ROASTED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Cut the stem and calyx off the eggplant, and cut in half lengthwise. Score large eggplants down the middle with the tip of a knife, being careful not to cut through the skin. (Japanese eggplants and other small eggplants needn't be scored.)
• Cover a baking sheet with foil and brush the foil with extra virgin olive oil. Place the eggplant on the foil, cut side down. Place in the oven and roast large, fat eggplants for 20 to 25 minutes (depending on the size). Roast small narrow Japanese eggplants (and other varieties) for 15 minutes, or until the skin has begun to shrivel, the edges and cut surface are browned, and the eggplant has softened but it hasn't collapsed.
• Remove from the oven and use a spatula to detach from the foil if the eggplant is sticking (if a thin surface of browned eggplant stays behind, don't worry). Place the eggplant halves cut side down on a rack set over a baking sheet, or in a colander. Allow to cool and drain for 15 to 30 minutes.

CHICKEN-FRIED EGGPLANT WITH CREAMY RED-EYE GRAVY

Steps:

• For the eggplant: Lay the eggplant slices out on a paper or kitchen towel-lined cutting board and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes. (This will pull the moisture out.)
• Heat 1 inch oil in a 14-inch cast-iron pan to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet tray or workstation with kitchen towels or paper towels.
• Sprinkle the flour with salt and pepper in a bowl. Pat the eggplant dry with more paper or kitchen towels, then dip each slice in the buttermilk followed by the seasoned flour. Repeat 1 more time. Fry the eggplant in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from the oil and drain on the prepared workstation.
• For the gravy: Add the ham to a large cast-iron pan over medium heat and let the fat begin to render and get crispy, about 3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the strong coffee and add the butter, stirring constantly, to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Shingle the eggplant pieces in a large shallow dish. Top with the gravy and more pieces of ham. Serve.