Lite Eggplant Parmesan Semi Homemade Recipes

EGGPLANT PARMESAN LIGHT

Steps:

• Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds, discarding stem.
• Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Heat skillet to medium-high. Brown eggplant slices in skillet, turning after 2 minutes.
• Mix tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, 2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
• Spread a thin layer of sauce mixture on the bottom of a 8 or 9 inch square baking dish. Add a layer of eggplant. Cover eggplant with 1/4 Cup Mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat layers twice more: sauce, eggplant, cheese.
• Pulse bread in blender or food processor to make medium course bread crumbs. Toast crumbs in hot skillet, stirring frequently to prevent burning. (Or toast bread before processing.) Combine bread crumbs with remaining Italian Seasoning. Layer seasoned crumbs on top of casserole.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook, or cook immediately.
• Bake in oven at 350°F, uncovered, for approximately 45 minutes (or until bubbly).

LIGHT (BAKED NOT FRIED) EGGPLANT PARMESAN

Steps:

• 1. To the one can of San Marzano tomatoes, add olive oil, oregano, and salt to taste. If your can of tomatoes is whole or chopped use a blender, or food processor to make into a smooth sauce. Set aside. You do not cook this - trust me it gives the parmesan a FRESH tomato taste!
• 2. Fill one dish with seasoned bread crumbs; fill another one with the eggs and water beaten.
• 3. Start to cut your eggplant. I do not peel mine as we like the flavor of the skin of the Japanese eggplant, if using the Italian style eggplant you may want to peel. (Japanese eggplant is banana-shaped - Italian style is more bulb-shaped). Slice eggplant into 4-inch sections.
• 4. Turn on its side so the round part is facing down and then cut in 1/2 inch slices - you now have a sort of rectangle piece of eggplant NOT a round slice. I do this because it makes it easier to layer.
• 5. Spray 2 cookie sheets with cooking spray.
• 6. Place eggplant in egg wash.
• 7. Then into bread crumbs; shake off excess.
• 8. Fill one tray.
• 9. Spray the battered eggplant with cooking spray.
• 10. Place into pre heated 450F oven on the bottom rack. Repeat for tray two rotate bottom tray to the top. If you have not finished slicing eggplant you can do this while you are waiting for the top rack to finish cooking. No more than 10 mins for each sheet.
• 11. In a 13 x 9 glass baking dish, lightly coat the bottom with the tomato sauce.
• 12. Start by adding a layer of eggplant.
• 13. Next add a layer of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and a bit of salt if you think it needs it.
• 14. Repeat starting with the tomato again, but layer the eggplant going in the opposite direction as the layer before. If you are doing this while the eggplant is cooking in the oven you will save a ton of time! Also keep in mind I do not put a ton of cheese in the layers as we are trying to keep this full flavor - lower calories!
• 15. Once ALL the eggplant is in the dish cover with the remaing tomato sauce and a generous helping of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
• 16. Put in the 450F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is brown.
• 17. With the leftovers, I portion out into single servings and place in small freezer bags - grab and go for lunches!