Eggplant Ranch Style Food

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 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.

GRILLED ZUCCHINI AND EGGPLANT CASSEROLE WITH PISTACHIO PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Preheat a grill for cooking on medium-high heat.
• Drizzle the eggplants, zucchini and spring onions with 1/4 cup olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place everything on the grill and cook until just seared, about 2 minutes per side. Place the bell peppers and tomatoes in a large baking dish. Bake until blistered, about 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, dice all the vegetables and add to a medium (10- to 12-inch) cast-iron casserole dish. Set aside.
• Add the garlic, pistachios and basil to a food processor. Turn on and drizzle in 2 ounces olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add 3 ounces olive oil and the cheese. Taste for seasoning and texture. Top the eggplant with the pesto and grate the Parmesan over the top.
• Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 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.