Eggplant Enchiladas Recipe 435

Steps:

• 1. Trim the stem end of each eggplant. Using a mandoline, cut the eggplant lenthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. You should have about 12 slices. Sprinkle the eggplant on both sides with kosher salt, layer them in a colander, and let stand for 1 hour. (I was impatient and only let them drain for about a half hour... worked out just fine.) Press the moisture from the eggplant and blot them dry with paper towels. Pour olive (or canola) oil to a depth of 1 inch in a deep, heavy saucepan or large skillet (I used a cast iron pan) and heat to 360ºF on a deep-frying thermometer. (I did not use a thermometer - just watched the oil and tested when I thought it was ready.) Place 3 to 4 eggplant slices in the hot oil and cook until the slices take on some color, 3 to 4 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the slices to a colander (or paper-towel lined plate) to drain. Repeat with remaining slices. 2. Meanwhile, make the stuffing. In a bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, ricotta, lemon zest, juice, thyme and salt. 3. Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Spoon tomato sauce into a medium-sized baking dish (or individual gratin dishes) till bottom of dish is covered in a thin layer. Place a spoonful of filling at one end of each of the eggplant slices. Roll the slice around the filling and place it seam-side down in the dish on top of the tomato sauce. Spoon a tablespoon of cream (or less) over each roll to moisten. Bake until the edges of sauce around the sides of the dish are dark and the rolls are nicely caramelized, 20 to 25 minutes. Garnish with the Asiago (or parm) before serving.

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350^. Spray a 9 x 13- inch glass baking dish with vegetable spray. Set aside. Sauté onion and garlic in stock in a large skillet. Cook 5 minutes, then stir in eggplant, green pepper, mushrooms and worcestershire sauce.
• 2. Cook 10-12 minutes or until eggplant is soft. Remove from heat; add almonds, parsley, pepper and 3/4 cup of the cheese.
• 3. Simmer a small amount of chicken stock in a small frying pan; dip tortillas in individually on each side to soften. Place a portion of the eggplant mixture in each tortilla and roll up tightly. Place seam side down in prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake 20 minutes. Each has 168 calories. Fat-5.4 g.

Steps:

• 1. For sauce, heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add onion and salt, and saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Add cumin and chili powder, and saute about 5 minutes more.
• 2. Add chopped tomatoes and water or juice. Bring to a boil, partially cover, and lower heat. Simmer at least 30 minutes (or even longer). Add the black pepper, cayenne, and garlic at any time during the cooking. (The later you add the garlic, the more distinct its presence.)
• 3. The sauce can be left in chunky form, or you can puree all or part of it in a blender or food processor.
• 4. While sauce is simmering, heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion, and saute for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
• 5. Add eggplant, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is soft. Add minced garlic and green bell pepper. Stir and cook 5 to 8 more minutes, or until the pepper is just tender.
• 6. Remove from heat, stir in almonds and cheese.
• 7. Preheat oven to 350*F. Moisten each tortilla briefly in water, then place approximately ¼ cup of filling on one side and roll up. Gently situate the filled enchiladas in a baking pan. Pour a batch of sauce over the top. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes.

Steps:

• Note: I made up this recipe on the fly, so all measurements are guesstimates only. I work by the season, taste, season some more method, so adjust the spices to your liking. Also, I made my own enchilada sauce with stuff I had on-hand, but a large can (24 oz) is about the amount you'll need.
• Cut the eggplant and potatoes into rounds about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.
• Dice into small cubes. (I have an onion chopper that does this for me very quickly -- ).
• In a large skillet, saute the eggplant and potatoes for 5-10 minutes, adding seasonings and adjusting as desired. Don't cook so long that the eggplant gets mushy-the potatoes will still be crunchy.
• Slice enough cheddar to put one or two pieces in each tortilla.
• Put a layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9" x 13" dish.
• Soften the tortillas by heating them in a skillet or the microwave so that they will roll without breaking.
• Fill each tortilla with a slice of cheese and a spoonful of the potato/eggplant mixture. Roll and place in the dish.
• Repeat until you have two 9" x 13" dishes each filled with 12 enchiladas.
• Cover the enchiladas with the remaining sauce, getting it between the tortillas.
• Top with grated cheddar.
• Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.