EGGPLANT GRATIN WITH ROASTED BELL PEPPERS AND GOAT CHEESE

Eggplant Gratin with Roasted Bell Peppers and Goat Cheese image

My mom used to make this all the time when we were growing up, and it is fabulous. It is inexpensive to serve a large crowd, hearty enough to please vegetarians and meat lovers alike, and is versatile enough to be made gluten free in a pinch (just subtract the breadcrumbs). As a bonus, this can be prepared a day ahead and pulled out 1/2 hour before dinner. I paired it with toasted pine nut couscous and mixed green salad, and it was a huge hit!

Provided by Anonymous

Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Eggplant

Time 2h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 pounds eggplant, trimmed and sliced lenghwise into 1/2-inch slices
2 teaspoons kosher salt
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
2 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup panko bread crumbs, divided
4 whole roasted red bell peppers, cut in half
6 ounces creamy goat cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
freshly ground black pepper to taste
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Place eggplant slices in a colander, sprinkle both sides with kosher salt, and allow to drain in the sink for 30 minutes.
Combine 4 tablespoons olive oil, herbes de Provence, and garlic in a small bowl.
Set an oven rack about 4 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
Pat eggplant dry and press between paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Brush slices on both sides with olive oil mixture and place in a single layer on a heavy baking sheet.
Broil eggplant in the preheated oven, turning once after browned, about 10 minutes. Continue cooking on other side until brown and crispy, about 10 minutes.
Grease bottom and sides of a 10- or 12-inch baking dish with 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons panko over bottom and sides of dish.
Cut eggplant slices in half crosswise on the diagonal and place half the slices in the prepared dish in a single layer. Layer bell peppers on top of eggplant. Arrange goat cheese slices over bell peppers. Season with black pepper and cover with remaining eggplant. Sprinkle with remaining bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bake in the preheated oven uncovered until gratin is heated through and golden brown on top, 15 to 20 minutes.
Turn oven to broil and place gratin 4 inches from heat source. Broil gratin until breadcrumbs are crispy and brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Allow to cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 39.5 mg, Fat 21.7 g, Fiber 8.3 g, Protein 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Sodium 1657.4 mg, Sugar 9 g