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Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna with Swiss Chard

Lasagna without noodles? Indeed. And you won’t even notice they’re missing. Originally this was supposed to be ‘rolls’ of eggplant with ricotta filling and then topped with cheese. But silly us didn’t really read through the recipe before starting, and Taylor had cut the eggplant in half before slicing (therefore making the possibility of a roll impossible). On to plan B.

All the better, what we ended up with was a delicious vegetarian dinner, full of flavor (be sure you buy a good jarred sauce, it makes all the difference). Even in its meatless, noodle-less glory, it was hearty and satisfying (though Taylor did make his usual, “this would be better with Italian sausage” comment. Yes dear. I hear you. Everything would be better with Italian sausage).

I love the unexpected addition of Swiss Chard (instead of the typical, predictable spinach). It makes this dish all the more unique. While Swiss Chard (of any color) isn’t something we buy often (maybe due to its limited availability and somewhat high pricetag), it is something we really do love. In fact, we’re attempting a little patio garden this summer, and Rainbow Chard is on our list of veggies to try. Though, with my black thumb, we’ll see how that goes. Heh.

Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna with Swiss Chard

Makes 6 servings. Adapted from Bon Appetit.

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Ingredients:

2 medium eggplants (about 2 1/4 pounds total), trimmed, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
Coarse kosher salt
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 1-pound bunch Swiss chard, center ribs removed
2 large eggs
1 15-ounce container whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 1/4 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 15- to 16-ounce can tomato sauce
1 8-ounce ball fresh water-packed mozzarella, drained, thinly sliced

Directions:

Cover bottom and sides of each of 2 large colanders with 1 layer of eggplant slices; sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Continue layering eggplant slices in each colander, sprinkling each layer with coarse salt, until all eggplant slices are used. Place each colander over large bowl; let stand at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour. Rinse eggplant slices to remove excess salt; dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Position oven rack 5 to 6 inches from heat source and preheat broiler. Line 3 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or foil. Arrange eggplant slices in single layer on prepared baking sheets. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil. Broil 1 sheet at a time until eggplant slices are tender and beginning to brown, watching closely and removing eggplant slices as needed if cooking too quickly, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove baking sheet from oven and cool eggplant while preparing filling.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add chard to pot and boil just until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain; rinse with cold water. Squeeze chard very dry, then chop coarsely. Squeeze chard dry again between paper towels. Whisk eggs and pinch of coarse salt in medium bowl. Stir in chopped chard, ricotta cheese, 1 cup Parmesan, mint, and black pepper.

Lightly oil 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish. Spread half of tomato sauce evenly over bottom of dish. Divide chard-ricotta filling among eggplant slices, placing about 1 heaping tablespoon filling in center of each. Starting at 1 short end of each, loosely roll up eggplant slices, enclosing filling. Arrange rolls, seam side down, atop sauce in baking dish. Alternatively, you can layer the eggplant lasagna style, with a first a layer of sauce, then half of eggplant, followed by the ricotta filling, and other half of eggplant. Spoon remaining tomato sauce over. Place mozzarella slices in single layer over top. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with foil and chill.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake eggplant Parmesan rolls, covered with foil, until heated through, about 30 minutes if freshly made or 40 minutes if refrigerated. Uncover and bake until brown in spots and sauce is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot.

All images and text © / Love & Olive Oil

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