Title: Creole Eggplant Souffle
Categories: Vegetable
Yield: 5 Servings
| 2 | tb | Butter |
| | | Med Onion, finely chopped |
| | | Med stalk celery, diced |
| 2 | x | Cloves Garlic, minced |
| 1 | tb | Unbleached white Flour |
| 2 | tb | Minced fresh parsley |
| 1 | tb | Minced fresh basil |
| 1/2 | ts | Dried Thyme |
| 1/2 | c | Whole or low-fat Milk |
| | | Lg Eggplant , peeled & diced |
| 1/2 | c | Fresh, soft bread crumbs |
| 1 | c | Grated white cheese * |
| 3 | x | Eggs, separated, room temp. |
| 1 | ds | Cayenne pepper |
* firmly packed grated mild white cheese of your choice Preheat oven to
350 deg F.
In a large skillet, heat butter till it foams. Add the onion, celery, and
garlic and saute over low heat until the onion is translucent. Sprinkle in
the flour, stirring until well blended. Add the herbs and saute, stirring
until the mixture just begins to brown. Add the milk and the diced eggplant
(about 1 1/2 lbs). Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally,
until the eggplant is quite tender. Add a bit of water from time to time if
necessary, just enough to keep the bottom of the skillet moist. Remove from
the heat.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Add the bread crumbs, cheese, salt
and pepper to taste, cayenne, and 3 egg yolks. In another bowl, beat the 3
egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then fold them gently into the
eggplant mixture. Pour the mixture into a well-oiled 1 1/2 qt baking
casserole or souffle pan.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let the souffle
sit for 5 minutes, then serve at once. Serves 4-6.