Eggplant Parmesan

This is an easy dish that pairs very well with a light fruit-forward red wine such Cabernet Franc, Chianti, or Fenn Valley Capriccio.

• 1 Eggplant (about 1 Lb) peeled and sliced into ½ inch thick slices
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup flour
• ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 2 eggs beaten or ½ cup egg beaters
• 4 oz Mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese *
• 8 cloves garlic, sliced thin
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• ½ cup dry red wine
• ½ tsp thyme
• Olive oil

Sprinkle the sliced eggplant with the kosher salt, place in a colander, and allow to sit for ½-2 hours.

Begin the sauce by placing the garlic, the red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet over med-high heat. Sauté for several minutes until the garlic begins to darken and is aromatic. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, and thyme. Bring to a boil and simmer oover med-low heat until the sauce is reduced to 2½ cups. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Using paper towels, wipe off the salt from the eggplant slices and squeeze out the extra moisture by pressing between the paper towels using the palm of your hand. Put the flour on a plate and stir in the pepper. Put the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. Put the Panko bread crumbs on another place. Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over med-hi heat until it shimmers. Dip the eggplant into the flour-pepper mixture and shake off the excess. Coat with the egg and dip into the bread crumbs to coat evenly, shaking off the excess. Place in the hot skillet and fry until golden, turning once. Remove to a plate lined with a paper towel.

Put half of the sauce in a 9 X 9 baking dish, add half of the eggplant, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese. Repeat with the second half of the ingredients. Bake until the contents are bubbling and the cheese is browned. Remove and cool for 10 minutes.

Serves 3 or 4.

(*) The quality of the parmesan cheese will directly affect the flavor of this dish. Use high quality, freshly grated parmesan cheese. Avoid pre-packaged ground parmesan cheese.