Eggplant Italiana

This yummy side-dish includes lots of veggies besides eggplant, such as red onion, bell peppers, green beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms.

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Ingredients:

• 1 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-pound eggplant
• Salt
• 1/3 of a medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 of a medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/3 of a medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 tablespoons bottled roasted garlic
• 1 can (14.5-oz.) Italian-style green beans, drained
• 1 can (14.5-oz.) diced tomatoes with green pepper, celery and onion, undrained
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
• 4 large fresh white button mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
• 3 tablespoons Italian-style dry bread crumbs

Method

Cut eggplant crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices; sprinkle with salt. Layer slices in a colander with a plate underneath to catch juice. Let stand for 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pat both sides of eggplant slices dry with a paper towel. Cut slices into small triangular wedges or cubes; place in a 13x9-inch baking dish. Top with onions and peppers. Drizzle with olive oil; toss to coat. Combine ricotta cheese and garlic; drop by teaspoons evenly over eggplant mixture. Top with beans and undrained tomatoes. Pour wine over the top; sprinkle with basil. Top with olives, mushrooms, cheese, and bread crumbs. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 30 minutes more. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Notes: This recipe is nutritious and low fat. You can further reduce the fat, by using 1 tablespoon oil and low or reduced fat Ricotta. I prefer Hunt's brand tomatoes-excellent flavor! Leftovers are great in warmed whole wheat 'n honey pita pocket halves for lunch. I also mash leftovers and spread over toasted bread rounds as an appetizer. If serving rounds warm, sprinkle with grated Asiago or Romano cheese and place under broiler!

Number of servings: 6

Submitted By: bjeste29
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