EGGPLANT PARMESAN FOR TWO (COOK'S COUNTRY)

Eggplant Parmesan for Two (Cook's Country) image

Recipe Notes: Using a serrated knife, slice off one side of eggplant (reserve) and cut two 3/4-inch planks from the center. 2. Cut planks in half crosswise so they'll neatly fit into the pan for frying in a single batch. 3. Chop reserved side pieces into strips, then into ½-inch cubes and set aside for building the tomato pan sauce.

Provided by gailanng

Time 50m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 (1 lb) eggplant
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup olive oil, plus
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese

Steps:

Bread Eggplant: Cut two 3/4-inch planks lengthwise from center of eggplant, halve each plank crosswise. Cut remaining eggplant into 1/2-inch dice and set aside. Place flour in shallow dish. Beat egg in second shallow dish. Combine bread crumbs, 1/4-cup Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in third shallow dish. One at a time, coat eggplant slices lightly with flour, dip them in egg and dredge in bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Transfer to wire rack set inside rimmed baking sheet and let sit 5 minutes (or refrigerate up to 1 hour).
Cook Eggplant: Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450°F Heat 1/2 cup oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook eggplant slices until lightly golden browned, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to wire rack set inside baking sheet and bake until eggplant is tender and deep golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
Make Sauce: Meanwhile, pour off oil and wipe out skillet with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in empty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the reserved chopped eggplant and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and reduce heat to medium. Simmer until eggplant is tender and sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper; cover and keep warm.
Assemble: Combine remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan and provolone in medium bowl. Top browned eggplant slices with cheese mixture and bake until cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Transfer half of sauce to platter and top with eggplant slices. Spoon remaining sauce over eggplant. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1236.2, Fat 98.7, SaturatedFat 23.7, Cholesterol 148.8, Sodium 1113.6, Carbohydrate 57.1, Fiber 12.2, Sugar 13.2, Protein 35.9