Mamma Mia Fresh Italian Eggplant Parmigiano Food

MAMMA MIA! FRESH ITALIAN EGGPLANT PARMIGIANO!

Steps:

• PREP vegetables and herbs needed for the SAUTE (1 medium chopped onion, 8 ounces thinly sliced fresh mushrooms, 2/3 cup minced fresh basil leaves (reserving 1 tablespoon to refresh flavor later), 2-3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic, 3 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley, 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano leaves, and 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves); SAUTE in a large saucepan or pot in 1 tablespoon olive oil, between medium-low and medium heat until softened, about 7 minutes.
• BRING 4 quarts unsalted water to boiling; CAREFULLY lower Roma tomatoes needed for recipe on a large spoon into boiling water; BLANCH until skins start to crack; REMOVE tomatoes and place into a colander; RINSE tomatoes under running cold water to remove skins; PUREE enough tomatoes to yield 3 1/4 cups; DICE remaining tomatoes to yield 3 1/4 cups; ADD both pureed and diced tomatoes to the saute mixture, along with 1/4 cup olive oil, 2-3 teaspoons ground fennel, 1/4 cup dry red wine, 2 teaspoons fine sea salt (if using fresh tomatoes), 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; STIR in enough sugar or light corn syrup into SAUCE to balance acidity; RAISE HEAT to HIGH, stirring constantly until mixture begins to boil; REDUCE heat to MEDIUM-LOW, then SIMMER the sauce uncovered for 1 hour or slightly longer, stirring occasionally; REMOVE the SAUCE from heat; STIR in 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh basil leaves (to refresh flavor); SEASON to taste with fine sea salt if necessary.
• PREPARE the BREADCRUMBS in a large sealable container or Ziplock bag, add 2 cups panko, 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic salt, 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; seal and shake well to combine; set aside; PREHEAT oven to 375 F degrees.
• CUT eggplants into 1/8 - 1/4 inch rounds; BRUSH eggplant evenly on both sides with the BASTE mixture (1/2 cup olive oil with 1-3 freshly mashed garlic cloves); SHAKE a few basted eggplant rounds at a time in sealed container or Ziploc bag with BREADCRUMBS until very well coated; arrange in TWO greased 13 x 9 inch baking dishes; RESERVE enough of the BREADCRUMBS for the GARNISH of eggplant parmigiano later before last 15 minutes of baking.
• BAKE both baking dishes of eggplant for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned; carefully slide out oven tray(s) from oven using oven mitts; REDUCE oven temperature to 350 F degrees; TURN eggplant over using tongs or spatula; CONTINUE baking at 350 F for about 10 additional minutes or until lightly browned; REMOVE from oven; LEAVE oven ON.
• LADLE 1/3 of the SAUCE into the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish or casserole dish; SPRINKLE 1 tablespoon of the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the sauce; (you can use the same dish you used to bake eggplant in).
• ARRANGE 1/2 (ONE HALF) of the EGGPLANT over the SAUCE in dish, overlapping if necessary.
• POUR 1/2 (HALF) of remaining sauce over EGGPLANT.
• SPRINKLE the SAUCE with 1 tablespoon freshly grated PARMESAN cheese, followed by 8 ounces (ONE HALF POUND) grated part-skim MOZZARELLA cheese; REPEAT layers with remaining EGGPLANT, remaining SAUCE, and remaining MOZZARELLA cheese; COVER casserole with aluminum foil or casserole lid.
• BAKE in preheated 350 F degree oven for 30 minutes, then carefully slide out oven tray from oven using oven mitts; REMOVE cover from eggplant parmigiano carefully; then SPRINKLE the GARNISH (1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh Italian parsley); CONTINUE to BAKE for 15 additional minutes; REMOVE from oven and allow to cool and set for 5-10 minutes, then SLICE (using a serrated knife) and SERVE (with your favorite side dishes and bread); SERVE and say, "MAMMA MIA!"!

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANO

Steps:

• Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch round slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with kosher salt on both sides. Set aside for 1 hour to let the bitter juices weep from the eggplant. Meanwhile, make the marinara sauce.
• Heat the 2 Tbs olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the onion for 2 minutes and stir in the garlic. Saute for another minute until lightly browned. Add the can of tomatoes, a sprig of fresh basil and 1/2 Tbs of the dried thyme (or a fresh sprig of thyme if you have it). Bring the sauce to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the burner, remove the herb sprigs and leave the sauce until you are ready to assemble the casserole.
• Heat enough vegetable oil over med-high heat in a large dutch over or high-side skillet to completely cover the slices of eggplant.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Place the flour in a deep plate.
• Whisk the eggs with the milk in another another deep plate.
• Combine the bread crumbs, 1 tsp salt, oregano and other 1/2 Tbsp thyme and season well with black pepper in a third deep plate.
• Transfer the eggplant to a colander and rinse well with cold water. Blot the slices dry with clean kitchen towels.
• Dredge the eggplant in the flour, then dip it in the egg and finally dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess breading and lay the eggplant on a baking sheet.
• Fry the eggplant in the vegetable oil in small batches. The oil should be 400 degrees. Basically, it needs to be hot. Turn it over once during the frying process and it should be golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove the eggplant to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining eggplant.
• Prepare a 13x9 baking dish by brushing lightly with olive oil.
• Cover the bottom of the baking dish with 1/3 of the marinara sauce. Arrange half of the eggplant over the sauce. Cover the eggplant with another 1/3 of the sauce. Scatter half of the Parmesan cheese and layer half of the mozzarella over the eggplant. Repeat with the remaining eggplant, sauce, parmesan and mozzarella.
• Bake until hot and just beginning to brown, about 30 minutes.
• Serve immediately.

MAMMA MIA - WHAT A MEATLOAF !

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Brown mushrooms in oil.
• Combine with remaining ingredients.
• Place in a 9x5 inch loaf pan and bake 1 hour.
• Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

MAMMA MIA! FRESH ITALIAN LASAGNE!

Steps:

• PREP vegetables and herbs needed for the SAUTE FOR FRESH ITALIAN SAUCE (1 medium chopped onion, 8 ounces thinly sliced fresh mushrooms, 2/3 cup minced fresh basil leaves (reserving 1 tablespoon to refresh flavor later), 2-3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic, 3 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley, 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano leaves, and 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves); SAUTE in a large saucepan or pot in 1 tablespoon olive oil, between medium-low and medium heat until softened, about 7 minutes.
• BRING 4 quarts unsalted water to boiling; CAREFULLY lower Roma tomatoes needed for recipe on a large spoon into boiling water; BLANCH until skins start to crack; REMOVE tomatoes and place into a colander; RINSE tomatoes under running cold water to remove skins; PUREE enough tomatoes to yield 3 1/4 cups; DICE remaining tomatoes to yield 3 1/4 cups; ADD both pureed and diced tomatoes to the saute mixture, along with 1/4 cup olive oil, 2-3 teaspoons ground fennel, 1/4 cup dry red wine, 2 teaspoons fine sea salt (if using fresh tomatoes), 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; STIR in enough sugar or light corn syrup into SAUCE to balance acidity; RAISE HEAT to HIGH, stirring constantly until mixture begins to boil; REDUCE heat to MEDIUM-LOW, then SIMMER the sauce uncovered for 1 hour or slightly longer, stirring occasionally; REMOVE the SAUCE from heat; STIR in 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh basil leaves (to refresh flavor); SEASON to taste with fine sea salt if necessary.
• IF PREPARING FRESH LASAGNE PASTA: While sauce is simmering: BEAT 3 eggs with 1 tablespoon olive oil gently in a medium bowl using a fork; into the large bowl of food processor MEASURE 1 cup semolina flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 3/8 teaspoon fine sea salt; PROCESS in food processor at least 30 seconds; with processor still running, very slowly POUR beaten eggs into feeder tube until all of the beaten eggs have been added; continue to PROCESS until dough becomes very thick and consistently blended (or when it forms a ball); REMOVE ball of dough from processor; WRAP dough tightly with plastic wrap; LET dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. PLACE dough on a smooth clean surface dusted with semolina flour; ROLL out dough to 1/4 inch thick, SPRINKLE with semolina flour and repeat process until dough has a smooth, soft texture and with a balanced moisture level (not overly moist or dry); ROLL dough using a pasta machine (recommended), or a rolling pin to a 1/8 inch thickness, dusting very lightly with semolina flour if necessary, to prevent sticking; cut noodle dough into 2-3 inch width strips, with a 12" length; pasta does not need to be boiled first.
• IF USING PACKAGED LASAGNE PASTA: MEASURE exactly 4 quarts of water (16 cups) into a large pot of water; BRING water to a full rolling boil; ADD 4 teasppoons kosher salt, then quickly but carefully add 9-12 pasta strips; COOK pasta until just tender (al dente), about 7 to 8 minutes; DRAIN lasagne noodles immediately in a large colander; REMOVE pasta individually using tongs and HANG pasta in (and over), the edges of the large pot and the colander to STRAIGHTEN, so that none of the noodles are touching; ALLOW to cool slightly.
• PREPARE the PASTA BASTE by mixing 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1-2 cloves freshly pressed garlic (using a garlic press or mincing finely); BASTE lasagne noodles evenly on both sides in a 13 x 9 baking dish; REMOVE noodles and place aside.
• WHIP the following ingredients of the FRESH SPINACH AND CHEESE FILLING in a large bowl, using an electric mixer: 3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (Precious brand), 1 large egg, 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup cream, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, and 1 small clove fresh mashed garlic (use a garlic press); FOLD in 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach leaves and 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves (stems removed), until mixture is thoroughly blended.
• LADLE a thin layer of the FRESH ITALIAN SAUCE into the bottom of a deep-dish lasagne pan (or minimize recipe into a 13 x 9 baking dish; SPRINKLE 1 tablespoon of the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the sauce; ARRANGE a row of FRESH LASAGNE PASTA lengthwise over the cheese-sprinkled sauce (depending on pasta size, you may trim pasta with kitchen scissors to fit into baking dish if necessary); SPREAD 1/2 (HALF) of the FRESH SPINACH AND CHEESE FILLING over the pasta, leaving a 3/4 inch space around edges; SPRINKLE 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese over the filling; LADLE 1/3 of the SAUCE over the mozzarella, followed with 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese.
• REPEAT layers in this order: (1) PASTA (2) the remaining FILLING (3) MOZZARELLA cheese (4) SAUCE (5) PARMESAN (6) remaining PASTA (7) remaining SAUCE (8) remaining MOZZARELLA; COVER with aluminum foil or casserole lid.
• BAKE covered in preheated 350 F degree oven for 30 minutes, then carefully slide out oven tray from oven using oven mitts; REMOVE the cover from dish carefully; then SPRINKLE the GARNISH (1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons seasoned Italian breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh Italian parsley); LEAVE lasagne uncovered; CONTINUE to BAKE lasagne for 15 additional minutes; REMOVE from oven and allow to cool and set for 10 minutes; SLICE (using a serrated knife) and SERVE.
• SERVE and say, "MAMMA MIA!"!