Eggplant Aubergine Matzo Lasagna Food

EGGPLANT MATZO LASAGNA

Steps:

• For the tomato sauce: Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the onions are translucent and very soft, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano and red pepper and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color, about 4 minutes. Add the wine and cook, scraping the bottom of the pot, until the liquid mostly evaporates, about 3 minutes. Add the crushed and diced tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt and several grinds of black pepper. Rinse out each tomato can with 1/2 cup of water and add it to the sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until reduced by about one-fourth and thickened, about 1 hour.
• Blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper and stir in the basil. Set aside (see Cook's Note).
• For the eggplant: Arrange the eggplant slices on a rack set over a baking sheet and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon salt. Set aside to draw moisture out from the eggplant, flipping them over halfway through, about 30 minutes.
• Combine the matzo meal, thyme, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper together in another shallow bowl.
• Blot the eggplant slices very dry on both sides with paper towels. Working one slice at a time, dip the eggplant into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl, then dredge it in the matzo mixture, pressing gently to coat. Place coated slices back on the rack and repeat with the remaining eggplant.
• Pour enough oil into a large skillet to reach a depth of about 1/4 inch and heat over medium-high heat until very hot and shimmering and a slice of eggplant immediately sizzles as when it touches the oil. Working in batches, fry the slices until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Place cooked eggplant back on the rack to drain and season lightly with salt while hot. Repeat until all the eggplant is fried.
• For the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, stir the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, basil, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper together. Refrigerate until ready to assemble the lasagna.
• To assemble the lasagna: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray all sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or casserole dish at least 2 1/2 inches deep with nonstick spray. Set aside 3/4 cup of the tomato sauce, 3/4 cup of the ricotta filling and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella.
• Spread 1 cup tomato sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish. Top the sauce with full sheets of matzo, then break others to fit as needed. Spread 3/4 cup ricotta filling evenly over the matzo with a small offset spatula. Layer one-third of the eggplant over the ricotta, top with one-third of the mozzarella and top with one-third of the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers of matzo, ricotta, eggplant, mozzarella and sauce two more times. Add a final layer of matzo, then spread with the reserved 3/4 cup ricotta, the reserved 3/4 cup sauce and sprinkle with the 1 1/2 cups reserved mozzarella and 3 tablespoons Parmesan.
• Spray a piece of foil large enough to fit over the baking dish generously with nonstick spray and cover the baking dish tightly. Place on a baking sheet and bake until the matzo is soft and the sauce is bubbling, about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the mozzarella is lightly browned in spots, 15 to 20 minutes longer. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

SUMMER EGGPLANT LASAGNA

Steps:

• 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.
• Batter the eggplant by dipping first in beaten eggs, then in bread crumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, and garlic powder. (If you need to use store bought seasoned bread crumbs omit salt and pepper.)
• 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.
• Make the vinaigrette of red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped peppadews, sugar, oregano and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Chop the mint and Italian parsley.
• Spoon 2 tablespoons vinaigrette in the bottom of a large bowl. Layer eggplant slices with the chopped mint, parsley, and the vinaigrette. Top with more of the vinaigrette and marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. (Cook's note: you can also add to the layers more minced garlic and shredded Parmesan.)
• Boil the lasagna noodles with a little oil, so that they do not stick, and some salt, to impart some flavor.
• In a beautiful serving dish layer the marinated eggplant, the noodles, then sprinkle with some fresh mozzarella, then the basil and finally drizzle with the vinaigrette. Repeat until all the layers are formed, making sure that the noodle is not the last layer. Garnish with cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Serve at room temperature for the best summer lasagna. Manga!!!

EGGPLANT LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Arrange sliced eggplant in a single layer on 2 sheet pans. Brush on both sides using 3 tablespoons of oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the eggplant until it is soft and golden. Turn slices halfway through, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium skillet add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and the sliced mushrooms. Saute until soft for about 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes. Once the mushrooms are cooked remove and set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl add the ricotta, eggs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, oregano, mushrooms, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix well. Brush an 8-inch baking dish with oil.
• Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay 4 slices on top followed by the ricotta mixture. Lay another 4 slices of eggplant and finish with marinara sauce. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Bake until golden brown, at 350 degrees, for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Peel 5 cloves garlic and place them in a square of foil. Sprinkle the cloves with salt and pepper and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Wrap up the foil and place it directly on the oven rack. (Be sure that the foil packet is secure so no oil will leak out.) Roast the garlic until it's brown and tender, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool enough to touch and squeeze the garlic from the skins. Set aside.
• Saute onions and carrots with the oil in a medium saucepan. Add tomato paste and stir well. This will cook off the tomato paste and give a nice orangy color. Cook for about 10 minutes. When vegetables are softened add the roasted garlic, salt, pepper, basil, oregano and stir together until incorporated. Pour in the tomatoes. Fill the empty can with water and add it to the pan. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 1 hour, uncovered. Stir occasionally. Once sauce is ready carefully pour it into the food processor and puree until smooth.

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat the griller.
• Combine the lemon juice and olive oil and brush it on the eggplant slices.
• Lay them in a single layer on a nonstick baking tray and grill both sides for about 3 minutes each or until golden brown.
• Preheat the oven to 180C degrees.
• In a bowl combine the tomato puree, tomatoes, oregano, basil, cayenne pepper and garlic.
• In another bowl combine the parmesan and breadcrumbs.
• Spoon one third of the tomato mixture into the base of a lasagne or casserole dish.
• Sprinkle with one third of the breadcrumb mixture and cover with a layer of eggplant.
• Spread half the ricotta cheese over the eggplant and continue to layer in the same order, ending with the breadcrumb mixture (in my case hopefully).
• Scatter the mozzarella cheese over the top and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
• Serve with salad and crusty bread.

EGGPLANT LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Using a mandolin or a thin knife, slice eggplant lengthwise into thin strips. Toss the eggplant with 1/4 cup coarse salt. Transfer the eggplant to a colander and allow to sit overnight. (This will remove any excess water from the eggplant and allow it to crisp nicely when fried.) Brush the salt off the eggplant slices. Heat oil in a large skillet until approximately 350 degrees. Carefully fry eggplant slices in the oil until golden brown, approximately 30 seconds on each side. Drain the slices on paper towels, set aside until needed. In a medium bowl mix together 2 cups tomato puree, oregano and 1 tablespoon chopped garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Grease a 8 by 8-inch square pan, and layer the eggplant on the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle some of the mozzarella cheese mixed with the parmesan cheese, pepper, and drizzle the tomato sauce over the cheese. Repeat the process the pan is full. Bake the lasagna for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

FRIED EGGPLANT LASAGNA ROLLS

Steps:

• Slice the eggplant lengthwise into twelve 1/8- to 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides generously with salt. Set aside to draw out the moisture, about 40 minutes. Transfer the eggplant to a colander and rinse. Pat very dry with paper towels.
• Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, 1/2 cup water, the garlic, basil, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, 30 minutes. Discard the basil sprigs and puree the sauce with an immersion blender (or puree in a regular blender in batches).
• Mix the flour and 1 teaspoon salt in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl. Combine the breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a third shallow bowl. One at a time, dip each eggplant slice in the flour, then the eggs, then the breadcrumbs and transfer to a baking sheet.
• Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 eggplant slices and cook until golden brown and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining eggplant, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook as the label directs for al dente. Remove 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the noodles. Stir the reserved cooking water into the tomato sauce.
• Assemble the lasagna rolls: Preheat the oven to 375 ̊ F. Pour 5 cups of the tomato sauce into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spread 1 tablespoon ricotta on a lasagna noodle; top with 1 tablespoon Parmesan, 3 heaping tablespoons mozzarella, another lasagna noodle and 2 eggplant slices to cover the length of the entire noodle. Top the eggplant with 2 heaping tablespoons of the tomato sauce. Starting with a short end, roll up the stack into a spiral. Use a sharp knife to slice the spiral in half to make 2 spirals. Place each piece in the baking dish cut-side down with the wavy edges of the noodle facing up. Continue with the remaining lasagna noodles and eggplant slices until you have 12 spirals in the baking dish. Top with any remaining ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until browned on top, 10 to 12 more minutes. Top with basil and serve with any remaining tomato sauce.

EGGPLANT AND GROUND BEEF LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Grease the bottom and sides of 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the lasagna noodles at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes; drain and set aside.
• Cook and stir ground beef, onion, mushrooms, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is completely browned, about 10 minutes.
• Stir canned tomatoes into ground beef; simmer until sauce has formed, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Pour about one-fourth of the sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Layer noodles on top of sauce.
• Spread a thin layer of sauce on top of noodles.
• Place a layer of eggplant slices on top of noodle and sauce layer.
• Sprinkle about one-fourth of the cheese on top of eggplant slices.
• Repeat layering with remaining ingredients, until ending with a layer of sauce topped with remaining cheese.
• Bake in preheated oven until cheese is bubbly and brown on top, about 40 minutes.

TURKEY EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Saute mushrooms, garlic and onion until limp about 5-8 minutes.
• Add turkey and saute until meat is cooked through.
• Stir occasionally to break up any clumps.
• Add tomatoes, white wine, herbs and balsamic vinegar.
• Cook stirring frequently until mixture thickens, about 15-20 minutes.
• Stir in sun dried tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
• Let cool slightly.
• Combine ricotta, egg and goat cheese mixing until smooth.
• Grease a baking dish or lasagna pan.
• Spread half the meat mixture over the bottom of the pan.
• Place eggplant slices over top overlapping slightly.
• Cover the eggplant with 1/3 of the mozzarella slices.
• Top with the remaining meat mixture.
• Cover with eggplant slices then top with the ricotta mixture.
• Cover with 1/3 of the mozzarella then top with remaining eggplant slices.
• Layer remaining cheese on top then sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until dish is bubbly and top is nicely browned.
• Let sit 15 minutes before serving (very important).

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) , TOMATO AND LEEK LASAGNA

Steps:

• Cut eggplants lengthways into 1 cm slices; place slices on colander, sprinkle with salt,stand 30 minutes. Rinse slices under cold water, drain on absorbent paper. Cook eggplant in batches, in heated oil large pan until softened and browned both sides.
• Cook onion and half the garlic in the same pan, stirring, until onion softens.
• Stir in tomato, paste and basil; simmer, uncovered, about 20 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Blend or process tomato mixture until just combined.
• Heat margarine in same pan, add leek and remaining garlic; cook, stirring, until leek is soft. Add sugar; cook, stirring, about 5 minutes or until leek is browned lightly, remove from heat.
• Cut 1 lasagne sheet to cover base of oiled deep 19cm square ovenproof dish; place in position.
• Top with 1/4 of the eggplant, 1/4 of the leek mixture,1/4 of the tomato mixture and 1/4 of the cheese.
• Repeat layers 3 times, ending with cheese. Bake, uncovered, in moderately hot oven 50 minutes.
• Can be made ahead to this stage. Cover, refrigerate until required. Reheat in moderate oven about 50 minutes.

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) LASAGNA

Steps:

• Cook lasagna noodles while that's boiling,.
• Brown eggplant slices; set aside.
• Saute onions and mushrooms in same skillet.
• In a 11 x 7 inch baking dish, spoon 1/4 cup of sauce.
• Arrange three alternate layers of noodles, ricotta, mushroom mixture, Mozzarella cheese, eggplant slices, sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
• Cover and bake about 30 to 40 minutes at 350 until heated through.

MEAT AND EGGPLANT SAUCE LASAGNA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onions start turning clear, 5 to 10 minutes. Add ground beef; season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes. Fill the empty tomato can with water and pour into the sauce.
• Stir eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, tomato puree, 2 tablespoons salt, basil, black pepper, oregano, and bay leaf into the sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended, about 1 hour. Remove and discard bay leaf.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and lay the noodles out on paper towels to dry; remove and discard any broken pieces.
• Combine ricotta and egg in a bowl; season with salt and pepper and whisk thoroughly.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Coat the bottom of a large baking pan with the sauce. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat layering until all used up. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling furiously, 30 to 35 minutes. Uncover pan and increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Continue baking until top is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more. Let lasagna sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

ZUCCHINI EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) LOW-CARB LASAGNA

Steps:

• Peel eggplant. Slice eggplant and zucchini lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/4 inch). Place on baking sheet, spray with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil these, turning and re-spraying with oil once, until lightly browned on both sides. These are your "noodles". It's time-consuming, but it's SO worth it!
• In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil. Saute onion and garlic until just beginning to brown. Add chopped turkey sausage, if using. Cook about 10 minutes. Add red pepper and mushrooms, stirring gently. Cook 5 minutes. Add jarred pasta sauce and thawed spinach (squeeze out most of the liquid). Simmer about 10 more minutes.
• Combine ricotta, cottage cheese, eggs, scallions and nutmeg. Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Layer 1/3 of sauce in 9x13 baking dish. Layer 1/2 eggplant and zucchini slices. Top with 1/2 ricotta mixture, 1/3 mozzarella, and 1/3 parmesan.
• Repeat.
• Top with final 1/3 sauce, then mozzarella and parmesan. Cover with foil and bake one hour. Remove foil for last 5-10 minutes.

MOROCCAN LAMB AND EGGPLANT MATZO PIE WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Make lamb filling:
• Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet (2 inches deep) over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté onion, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add lamb and sauté, stirring and breaking up lumps, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add two thirds of garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon ras-el-hanout with oregano, mint, pepper, and cinnamon, then sauté, stirring, 1 minute.
• Stir in 4 cups tomatoes with some of juice (reserving remaining tomatoes and juice for sauce) and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Roast eggplant and assemble pie:
• Preheat broiler.
• Toss eggplant slices with 4 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Brush a large shallow baking pan (1/2 to 1 inch deep) generously with oil and arrange as many slices as possible in 1 layer. Broil, in batches if necessary, 5 to 7 inches from heat, turning slices over as they brown (about halfway through broiling), until tender, 12 to 15 minutes total.
• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
• Soak matzos, 1 or 2 at a time, in a pan of warm water until matzos are slightly softened but still hold their shape, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Let excess water drip off and transfer matzos to paper towels or kitchen towels to drain.
• Arrange 2 matzos side by side in a generously oiled 13- by 9- by 2-inch (3-quart) baking dish to nearly cover bottom. Spread 3 cups lamb filling over matzos in pan. Arrange 2 matzos side by side on top, then spread remaining filling over them. Arrange eggplant slices in 1 layer over filling (overlapping slices slightly if necessary), then arrange remaining 2 matzos on top and brush with oil. Bake, covered with foil, 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue to bake until filling is hot, about 10 minutes more.
• Make tomato sauce while pie bakes:
• Purée remaining 2 cups chopped tomatoes with juice in a blender. Heat remaining tablespoon oil in a 10- to 12-inch skillet over moderate heat, then cook cayenne, remaining garlic, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon each ras-el-hanout and salt, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Add tomato purée and sugar and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 4 to 6 minutes.
• *Available at specialty foods shops and Kalustyan's (800-352-3451).

LOW FAT EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Slice eggplant about 1/4" thick, spray with non-stick spray.
• Place eggplant on a cookie sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until nicely browned.
• This can be done ahead of time, like on the weekend, so this is a lot quicker for a weeknight meal.
• Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with the non-stick spray and put a small amount of sauce in the bottom of it.
• Place a layer of eggplant on top of the sauce.
• Top the eggplant with the 2 kinds of mozzarella and sprinkle a little parmesan on top.
• Top with a little bit of sauce and continue layering until either the ingredients are used up or you run out of room in the pan (I usually get 3 layers in).
• Top off with the rest of the cheeses.
• Bake in a preheated oven 35-45 minutes or until cheeses are melted and sauce is bubbling.
• ENJOY!