Crispy Eggplant makes a creamy vegetarian entree

I was surprised to find crispy eggplant on the menu of an Irish pub. It wasn’t the usual pub food. The crisp topping and creamy inside made a great vegetarian entrée. Here it’s served with pasta mixed with a garlicky tomato sauce.

This meal takes under 15 minutes to make with the help of a microwave oven. The pasta boils for 8 minutes while you are making the eggplant.

Helpful Hints:

Any type of short cut pasta can be used.

Look for eggplants that are firm without a wrinkled skin.

Two tablespoons of tomato paste are needed. Freeze extra for another time.

Countdown:

Place water for pasta on to boil.

Preheat broiler.

Prepare eggplant.

Make pasta dish.

CRISPY EGGPLANT

Vegetable oil spray

1 pound eggplant

1 egg

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Preheat broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with vegetable oil spray. Wash eggplant, do not peel. Cut into 1-inch slices (about 6 slices). Place on a plate in one layer and microwave 2 minutes. The center should be soft. Add 1 more minute if needed. Break up egg in a bowl. Mix Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs together on a plate. Add salt and pepper to taste. Dip eggplant slices into the egg and then press one side into the Parmesan mixture. Press the mixture into the eggplant with the back of a spoon. Place the slice on the baking sheet breadcrumb side up. Place the baking sheet under the broiler about 5 inches from the heat. Broil 1 minute and check to make sure the topping is golden. Leave another minute if needed, but watch to see that the topping does not burn. Remove from oven and divide slices between 2 dinner plates.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 341 calories (44% from fat), 16.5 g fat (5.2 g saturated, 5.9 g monounsaturated), 109 mg cholesterol, 14.6 g protein, 35.5 g carbohydrates, 8 g fiber, 599 mg sodium.

PENNE PASTA AND GARLIC TOMATO SAUCE

1/4 pound penne pasta (about 1 1/2 cups)

1/4 pound grape tomatoes (about 12)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup basil leaves (torn into small pieces)

Place large saucepan three-quarters filled with water on to boil. When it comes to the boil, add pasta. Boil 8 minutes. Place tomatoes and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high 1 minute. Tomatoes will be broken and give off their juice. Microwave another 30 seconds if needed. Stir in olive oil and tomato paste. Add basil and toss to mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drain pasta and toss with tomato mixture.

Tribune News Service