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Eggplant and Pasta Charlotte




Source of Recipe


Canadian Living






Recipe Introduction


Thin slices of eggplant form the covering for this robust baked pasta.





List of Ingredients



• 2 eggplants (about 8 oz/250 g each)
  
• 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
  
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 5 cups (1.25 L) rigatoni pasta
  
• 1 jar (750 mL) herbed pasta sauce
  
• 2 cups (500 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz/250 g)
  
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded asiago cheese
  
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) grated romano cheese
  
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each dried thyme and pepper
  
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) dried rosemary, crumbled
  
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) dry bread crumbs
  






Instructions



1. Cut eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch (5 mm) thick slices. Layer in colander, sprinkling each with salt. Let stand for 30 minutes. Rinse each layer to remove salt ; pat dry.
   
2. In skillet, heat 2 tsp (10 mL) of the oil over medium heat; fry eggplant slices, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side, adding more oil as necessary. Drain well on paper towels.
   
3. Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook rigatoni until tender but quite firm, about 7 minutes. Drain well and return to pot. Add pasta sauce and mozzarella, Asiago and Romano cheeses; stir to combine. Stir in thyme, pepper and rosemary; set aside.
   
4. Lightly brush 8-1/2-inch (2.25 L) springform pan with olive oil. Sprinkle with half of the bread crumbs. Line side of pan with overlapping slices of eggplant, making sure each extends to rim of pan and leaving no gaps. Cover bottom with overlapping slices of eggplant. Spoon pasta mixture into pan, pressing lightly. Sprinkle with remaining bread crumbs.
   
5. Cover with foil. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven until steaming, about 30 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes. Run tip of knife around pan to loosen. Invert onto serving platter and unmould.
   






Final Comments


Servings: 8 to 10

(Make-ahead: Let cool for 30 minutes; refrigerate until cold. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Uncover and add 15 minutes to baking time.)