Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Eggplant Gratin with Herbs and Creme Fraiche



Ready In: 1 Hour
Serves: 8
Wine Pairing: Merlot



What You Will Need:
  • 2 medium to large eggplant, sliced about 1/2″ thick
  • EVOO
  • S & P
  • 1 quart (or so) of my homemade 'Rustic Tomato Sauce' (Or, you can substitute it for a 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes with 4 minced cloves of garlic and some S&P added)
  • 3 T. minced parsley
  • 1 T. thyme leaves
  • 12 oz. creme fraiche (heavy cream)
  • 4 oz. parmesan cheese, grated
  • lemon zest to taste

Method:

  • Prepare my 'Rustic Roasted Tomato Sauce'. 
  • Preheat oven to 375 F.  
  • Sprinkle eggplant slices with S&P and a light coat of olive oil. Heat a large skillet over med-high heat and fry eggplant slices in batches until golden on both sides. Set aside. 
  • Prepare the creme fresh or heavy cream: pour into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce to about 1 cup, then stir in half of the grated parmesan and all of the chopped herbs. Season with a pinch S&P and set aside.
  •  Lightly coat a layer of EVOO in a 9″ casserole pan. Lay out a single layer of eggplant. Pour on a thin layer of the rustic tomato sauce, lemon zest and a sprinkle of parmesan. Make another layer of eggplant and pour over the rest of the sauce. Pour over the reduced creme fraiche or cream and sprinkle on a final layer of parmesan cheese. 
  •  Bake uncovered until browned and bubbling, about 25-30 minutes. 

 Let Cool and Serve With a Salad and Low Fat Cottage Cheese!
Recipe Adopted From 'FarmHouseTable':)

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