Cajun Baked Eggplant With Andouille Sausage Recipes

Steps:

• In a deep nonreactive saute' pan with a tight-fitting lid, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the yellow onion, bell pepper, celery, and the ham, if using, and saute stirring frequently, until the vegetables are very tender and lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. Add the garlic, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and cayenne and cook stirring,, just until the garlic releases its fragrance, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the green onions, the eggplant, tomatoes, stock and rice. Stir well and season with salt and black pepper. Raise the heat to medium-high, bring to a boil, and then immediately reduce the heat to low. Stir well, scraping the pan bottom to be sure nothing sticks. Cover tightly and cook, without stirring, for 20 minutes. Uncover and check to see if the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If not, re-cover and cook for a few minutes longer. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to let stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and stir lightly with a fork to fluff before serving. Garnish with the remaining green onions.

Steps:

• Place flour on large plate.
• In large bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
• Place breadcrumbs on another large plate.
• Coat 1 eggplant slice with flour; shake off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then dredge through breadcrumbs. Place single-layer on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining eggplant slices, flour, egg mixture and breadcrumbs.
• In heavy large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Working in batches, cook eggplant until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels; add more oil to skillet as necessary. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.).
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange half of eggplant slices in 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Spoon 1 1/2 cups salsa over. Sprinkle with ham and sausage, then 1 1/2 cups of each cheese. Cover with remaining eggplant slices, then remaining salsa and cheese.
• Bake until cheese melts and casserole is heated through, about 45 minutes. Cool slightly.

Steps:

• 1. Dice unpared eggplant in 11/2 in cubes. Cook eggplant and chopped onion in boiling water to cover for 20 min. or till tender. Drain and mix with all ingredients except grated cheddar and creole seasoning.
• 2. Place mixture into greased casserole and add grated cheddar and creole seasoning on top.
• 3. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.