Individual Eggplant Parm Packages

These individual eggplant parmesan packages are great as an appetizer or as a side dish.

📝 Ingredients

• 8 Ripe Plum Tomatoes
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Peeled And Minced
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
• 2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Fresh Basil
• 1 Ball Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (Not Buffalo) (About 6 to 8 Ounces)
• 1 1/2 Cups Seasoned Homemade Bread Crumbs
• 3/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2 to 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Medium Eggplants, or 4 Small
• 6 Tablespoons Coarse Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Cut the eggplants lengthwise into 1/3 to 1/2...: Cut the eggplants lengthwise into 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick slices, and place slices in a colander and sprinkle with a little of the salt.
2. 2Place a plate that just covers the eggplant...: Place a plate that just covers the eggplant on top, and then weight it down with a heavy can or canister.
3. 3Let the eggplant drain in the sink for...: Let the eggplant drain in the sink for about 45 minutes.
4. 4Rinse with cool water, and pat the eggplant...: Rinse with cool water, and pat the eggplant dry.
5. 5While the eggplant is being purged of any...: While the eggplant is being purged of any bitterness, begin the sauce.
6. 6To prepare the tomatoes, cut a slice off...: To prepare the tomatoes, cut a slice off the core end.
7. 7Squeeze the tomato gently over the sink to...: Squeeze the tomato gently over the sink to remove most of the seeds and juice.
8. 8Do not worry if you do not remove...: Do not worry if you do not remove them all.
9. 9Chop the tomatoes into 1/2 inch dice.
10. 10Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan,...: Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan, then add the garlic and cook an additional minute or two.
11. 11Next add the chopped tomatoes, salt pepper, and...: Next add the chopped tomatoes, salt pepper, and red pepper flakes.
12. 12Cook over low heat until the sauce has...: Cook over low heat until the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes.
13. 13Add the chopped basil and mix well, and...: Add the chopped basil and mix well, and set Aside
14. 14Turn on the broiler in the oven on...: Turn on the broiler in the oven on medium, and place the eggplant slices flat on a lightly greased baking sheet.
15. 15Lightly brush the top of the eggplants with...: Lightly brush the top of the eggplants with olive oil or use olive oil spray and then broil until lightly browned.
16. 16Turn the eggplant, and brown the other side.
17. 17Continue in this manner until all of the...: Continue in this manner until all of the eggplant slices have been browned and are soft.
18. 18Preheat oven to 350 degrees. F.
19. 19In a large baking pan, first lightly grease...: In a large baking pan, first lightly grease the bottom.
20. 20Place a layer of eggplant slices side by...: Place a layer of eggplant slices side by side without touching each other.
21. 21Spoon a little sauce on each slice, and...: Spoon a little sauce on each slice, and then cut the mozzarella cheese to fit each bottom slice.
22. 22Choose another slice of equal size for each...: Choose another slice of equal size for each of the prepared eggplant slices in the pan, and cover each with this second slice.
23. 23Mix together the grated parmesan cheese with the...: Mix together the grated parmesan cheese with the olive oil and homemade bread crumbs.
24. 24Sprinkle the crumbs over the eggplant slices.
25. 25Cover the casserole with foil, and bake the...: Cover the casserole with foil, and bake the eggplant for 20 minutes.
26. 26Remove the foil and bake an additional 10...: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the bread crumb and cheese topping has browned.
27. 27Place each eggplant "package" onto individual plates and...: Place each eggplant "package" onto individual plates and spoon some of the sauce on top.
28. 28Serve warm.