Title: Eggplant in the Style of Modugno (Melanzane Alla Modugno)
Categories: Italian Vegetarian
Yield: 8 Servings
| 1 | lg | Eggplant (about 2 lbs), |
| | | Sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch |
| | | Thick |
| 1 | tb | Salt |
| 2 | c | Olive oil |
| 1/4 | c | Dry bread crumbs |
| 2 | ts | Minced garlic (3 medium |
| | | Cloves) |
| 1/2 | c | Chopped parsley |
| 1 3/4 | c | Grated mozzarella cheese |
| | | (8 oz.) |
| 1/2 | c | Freshly grated Parmesan |
| | | Cheese (2 oz.) |
| | | Freshly ground pepper |
| 1 | c | Marinara Sauce |
1. Layer the eggplant slices in a colander, sprinkling each layer with the
salt. Set aside to drain for at least 1-1/2 hours. Gently squeeze out the
excess liquid. Pat dry with paper towels. 2. In a large skillet, heat the
olive oil over moderately high heat to 375F or until a small bread cube
browns in about 1 minute. Add the eggplant slices in small batches and
fry, turning once, until golden and cooked through, about 2 minutes per
side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. 3. Preheat
the oven to 375F. In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, garlic,
parsley, mozzarella and all but 2 Tablespoons of the Parmesan. Stir in the
egg and season with salt and pepper. 4. Spoon 3/4 c. of the Marinara Sauce
into a nonreactive 8-by-12-inch baking pan. Spread about 1 Tablespoon of
the mozzarella mixture on each slice of eggplant, roll up and place seam
side down in the pan. Spoon the remaining 1/4 c. Marinara Sauce over the
eggplant rolls and sprinkle the reserved 2 Tablespoons Parmesan on top.
(This dish can be prepared to this point several hours ahead and kept
covered at room temperature.) Bake until the mixture bubbles and the cheese
is melted, about 20 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature. These
eggplant rolls are from Apulia, the region that forms the heel of the
Italian boot. They make a wonderful antipasto or a delicious luncheon
dish. Serve at room temperature to enjoy their fullest flavor.