Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Make the tomato sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and the black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Salt the eggplant
- While the sauce simmers, trim the eggplants and cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Arrange in a single layer, sprinkle both sides with the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them very dry with paper towels.
Bread and fry the eggplant
- Heat the oven to 375°F.
- Put the flour in one shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the water in a second bowl, and put the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat each eggplant slice in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it in egg and coat it in breadcrumbs.
- Heat the canola oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry the slices in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and tender, then drain on paper towels.
Assemble and bake
- Spread about 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange half the eggplant in the dish, spoon over half of the remaining sauce, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan; repeat with the remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is browned in spots.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat the eggplant very dry after rinsing for crispier breading. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days; freeze yes, for up to 2 months. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
