Eggplant Parmesan

• This recipe is from Martha Stewart's  Meatless Cookbook
• I love Eggplant Parmesan. There are so many recipes to choose from.
• I like a very simple and tasty Eggplant Parmesan, nothing fancy, nothing difficult.
• This is a Best of the Best Recipe.
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• 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 2 large eggplants (about 2 pounds total), cut  into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 pound whole fresh mozzarella, cut into large chunks

1. In a food processor, puree tomatoes; transfer to a medium saucepan and stir in olive oil. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook until thickened, 30 minutes. Season tomato sauce with salt and pepper.
2. In a colander, toss eggplant with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Let stand 30 minutes. Press slices between a double layer of paper towels to dry. Dredge eggplant in flour (shaking off excess), then dip in eggs (allowing excess to drip off), and sprinkle lightly with breadcrumbs.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to come halfway up side. Heat oil over medium-high until pinch of breadcrumbs dropped in skillet sizzles. In batches, fry eggplant until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side; transfer to rack to drain.
4. Spread 1 cup tomato sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Layer half the eggplant over sauce and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Top with 1 1/2 cups sauce, then remaining eggplant. Finish with remaining sauce, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and mozzarella. Place the dish on a baking sheet pan. Bake until lightly browned and bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes.
   
   
   Enjoy!
   Peace in the Kitchen!