Meatless Monday with Eggplant-Ricotta Bake

Happy Meatless Monday!  Do you love eggplant? How about creamy ricotta cheese? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions then this is the recipe for you. The Martha Stewart approved chefs over at Everyday Food have come up with a fast and easy Eggplant-Ricotta Bake. What is an Eggplant-Ricotta Bake? Think a cross between lasagna and eggplant Parmesan that is healthier and only takes about an hour to prepare. This recipe will feed four but you can adjust it easily to feed a crowd.

Ingredients
• 2 large eggplants (1 to 1 1/4 pounds each), sliced lengthwise 3/4 inch thick
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for baking dish
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese (1 2/3 cups)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 jar (16 ounces) store-bought marinara sauce (2 cups)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets. Brush lightly on both sides with oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast until eggplant is tender and golden, turning halfway through, 25 to 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta, eggs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4-teaspoon pepper. Brush an 8-inch square baking dish with oil.
3. Lay a fourth of eggplant slices in bottom of prepared dish; spread with half of marinara sauce. Top with another fourth of eggplant; spread with half of ricotta. Repeat layers, ending with ricotta; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Bake until bubbling and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

This is a meal that you can make a head of time (on Sunday) and keep in the fridge and then just bake off before dinner (on Meatless Monday). Everyone will enjoy this dish and the best part is that it is healthier than other alternatives as the eggplant is neither breaded nor fried. Serve with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, and perhaps some spelt or whole-wheat crostini. Remember that left-overs can be put in containers and brought to work/school for a fabulous healthy lunch. Eggplant-Ricotta Bake is an all-together delicious meal that will satisfy and impress anyone. Enjoy!