‘The Dude’ constantly checks and works on his recipes to determine if this or that is needed or improves the situation. Man, the new changes to this one really seem to make a difference and so it stands…(for now)
Ingredients:
1 Carton Trader Joes eggplant cutlets (frozen)…”If you don’t have the time..Commit the crime” Very good for frozen, and easy..If you know what to do with the eggplant and have the time, then you don’t need to read this..Man…( ;
1 28 oz. Can T. Joes toscano marinara sauce
1 28 oz. Can whole peeled roma tomatoes,salted
1 8 oz. Container fresh whole milk mozzarella in brine
1/2+ Of a 4 oz. Container fresh basil(washed, leaves only)
2 Roma tomatoes(sliced approx. 1/8 ” thickness)
1/4 cup Ex. virgin olive oil
1-2 Tbsp. Butter
1 1/2 Tsp. Granulated garlic
1 1/2 Tsp. Minced garlic(fresh or dried)
1 1/2 Tsp. Fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 Tsp. sea salt
1 Cup water
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Crushed red chili(as needed)
In a large sauce pan (6 qt.) combine both cans of tomatoes. Add 1/2 cup water to each, swirl, and empty remnants/water into sauce
Add olive oil,butter,garlic,pepper, and salt to sauce and set to simmer
While the sauce is working, brown the cutlets in a skillet w/ a little olive oil, then place on paper towels to drain and cool
Prep. your basil,tomatoes, and slice the mozzerella. Set aside
Place 1st layer of cutlets into pan of choice(I use a 3 qt. saute pan with vertical sides w/ a glass lid. Oven safe)
Distribute a few(2-3) scoops of sauce,add a layer of basil,a layer of tomato slices,the mozzerella,a 2nd. layer of basil, a 2nd layer of cutlets, a 2nd serving of sauce,a 3rd layer of basil, a 2nd layer of tomato slices,a splash of sauce and garnish w/ grated parmesan cheese +/- crushed red chili. Bake with cover or lid in preheated oven at 375 fo approx. 40 min. Or untill done.
There should be plenty of the fresh sauce on reserve for spooning/garnishing the top of each individual serving…A little parmesan sprinkled on top means…Let’s eat..!! ‘The Dude’ loves good food, man..!!
