Deep-Dish Eggplant Parmigiana

INGREDIENTS (serves 6-8)

• 3 firm, medium eggplant
• Salt
• Olive oil, for shallow frying
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella, diced into small pieces
• 1 12 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 2 quarts Pomodoro Sauce
• A handful of basil leaves
• A handful of parsley, finely chopped

PREPARATION

Trim some of the skin off the sides of the eggplants then cut them into thin planks lengthwise about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. Salt the eggplant and layer with kitchen towels.  Weight and drain the eggplant for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat a shallow layer of oil in a 12- to 14-inch skillet over medium to medium-high heat.  Fry the eggplant 2-3 minutes one each side until light golden. Drain on paper towels.

Place a layer of sauce in a casserole dish. Top with 1/3 of the eggplant, a few spoonfuls of sauce, 1/3 of the mozzarella and the Parm, and a few leaves of torn basil. Repeat 2 more times.

Bake eggplant 35-40 minutes until top is brown and bubbly. Top with minced parsley and serve.

Serve with green salad alongside or as a first course.