Lighter Eggplant Parmesan
WHY IT’S LIGHT This Italian restaurant standby turns virtuous with baked (instead of fried) eggplant and a healthier béchamel made from skim milk, which is then combined with some marinara sauce. Using less cheese also helps; here, the two cheeses are sprinkled only on top, rather than in each layer.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 450°F, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Arrange eggplant in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets. Brush egg plant on both sides with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown and very tender, 20 to 25 minutes, turning slices and rotating sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup milk, the flour, and garlic. Gradually whisk in remaining 3/4 cup milk and 1/2 cup marinara sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and cook until sauce has thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3
Spread 1/4 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Alternate layers of baked eggplant with milk sauce. Dollop with remaining 1/4 cup marinara sauce. Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake on upper rack until cheese is browned and sauce is bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Step 4
(Per Serving)
Step 5
Calories: 229
Step 6
Fat: 9.3g (3.3g Saturated Fat)
Step 7
Protein: 11.9g
Step 8
Carbohydrates: 26.7g
Step 9
Fiber: 8.9g
