something wonderful and delicious happened to the eggplant

If you are like me, and have not done much cooking with eggplant before, I implore you to change your ways.

I will admit that as I put this in the oven hoping for the best, I was skeptical about just how it was going to turn out. 

Something wonderful and delicious happened to the eggplant as a result of the roasting and the baking.  It turned into this savory, buttery, soft, flavorful, melt in your mouth lunch.  I have always liked eggplant at restaurants.    Never been brave enough to make it myself.  Those days are over. 

If you want to try it, here is what I did: 
Slice up the eggplant (I used 3 small ones) and put a bit of olive oil and salt on it.  Roast it at 425 degrees for about 8 or 9 minutes on each side.  Slice up the tomatoes (I used 2).  Chop up a small onion and saute it in some olive oil for about 3 minutes.  Throw in some chopped swiss chard (I used one bunch) and let it wilt down.  Layer 1/2 of the eggplant, 1/2 of the tomatoes and some sliced fresh mozarella (I used one small ball) and some chopped basil (I used 4 leaves).  Then add the swiss chard, the rest of the eggplant and the rest of the tomatoes.  Finally add a tablespoon of olive oil to 3/4 cup of italian bread crumbs (I did not make my own) and pour that over the top.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.  I used an 8x11 pan for this. 

P.S.  All you eggplant afficionados please tell me about your favorite way to fix it. 

Comments

[Joan Clarke]

Looks and sounds delish! Glad you braved the eggplant...it'll be fun to see what others come up with.

We went out for Mexican food at our local favorite...have yet to have a bad meal at this place. I had cheese enchiladas, refried beans, chips & salsa. Brough home one of the enchiladas which I'll have for lunch tomorrow. I could eat Mexican food every day, morning, noon, or night.

[Jan]

This looks great and quite easy. Did you peel the eggplant before roasting? Also, I've heard you should lay it out on paper towel to sweat it (???) before cooking ... sounds very confusing ... so I'm glad to get a simple recipe. They are in season now.

[Caroline Berk]

This looks delicious. I must find a way to cook it with nothing but a microwave and a toaster oven!

Pumpkin spice lattes are here!

[Bobby]

I will try this... looks amazing - thanks!

My favourite way is sliced lengthways into 'steaks', topped with haloumi cheese, sliced tomato, olive oil and basil. Roast in medium oven for 15-20 minutes... serve with minted and buttery new potatoes and salad. Superb... guaranteed joy :)