Eggplant Wheels are kind of like individual eggplant parmesan servings. The elements are basically the same but arranged for individual servings. I like the idea of making a simple serving of eggplant as opposed to the longer process of layering and assembling an eggplant parmesan casserole.
Why do I call them eggplant wheels? To be honest, it is because I could not think of what else to call them. It is not really a casserole so since the eggplant slices are shaped like a wheel I called the dish eggplant wheels. Corny? Maybe. But, for now the name eggplant wheels is fitting.
The wonderful thing about this dish is that the servings are just right. One thick slice of eggplant is just enough of a side dish to go with whatever else you are serving. Of course if you are eating this as a main course you can eat as many Eggplant Wheels as your tummy can hold. If I am eating Eggplant Wheels as an entree, I may add pasta as a side dish or I may top the pasta with the eggplant. Yum!
Eggplant Wheels
Ingredients:
1 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce
1 medium wide eggplant sliced into ½ inch rounds
2 large beefsteak tomatoes sliced
8 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp basil
½ tsp seasoned salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp oregano
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small bowl mix the ricotta cheese, basil, oregano. onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes seasoned salt and grated parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Spoon a little spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a long casserole dish. Place eggplant wheels on top of the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Top each eggplant wheel with a spoonful of the ricotta cheese mixture. Spoon spaghetti sauce over the ricotta cheese then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the eggplant is cooked and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
dmarie-dining 