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Mexican Eggplant Parmesan with Gluten-Free Tortilla Crust

This healthy version of eggplant parmesan is made using Mexican flavors and a gluten-free tortilla chip crust. It's a great use for the dregs of your chip bag! The tomato sauce is basically a warm salsa. If tomatoes aren't in season, you can definitely substitute One 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes (fire roasted would work really well!).
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Author Phoebe Lapine

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants, thinly sliced width-wise into rounds
  • Sea salt
  • 2 cups finely ground tortilla chip crumbs* (about 1/2 bag)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Olive oil
  • 2 pounds tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 jalapenos, ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup finely shredded cheddar or jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Arrange the eggplant on a baking sheet and season both sides lightly with salt. Allow to sit for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prep the tortilla chips. Arrange the crumbs in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with 1/4 cup water (for vegan option, see note).
  • Pat the eggplant dry with a dish towel and transfer to a plate or clean work surface.
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and brush with olive oil. One at a time, dip each eggplant round into the egg wash, followed by the tortilla chip crumbs. Pat each side down gently so the crumbs adhere, and shake off the excess. Arranged the breaded eggplant in an even layer on both baking sheets. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, swapping the pans from top to bottom rack halfway through, until the coating is crispy and the eggplant is fork tender.
  • While the eggplant bakes, make the sauce: in medium saucepan, combine the tomatoes, jalapenos, onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have released their juices and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
  • When the eggplant is done roasting, assemble the parm stacks: roughly survey the scene and scope out pairs of eggplant rounds that are roughly the same size. Beginning with the slightly larger of the two, add a spoonful of sauce, followed by a modest sprinkle of cheese. Top with the second round and repeat with the sauce and cheese. You should have about 14 stacks total.
  • Return to the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
  • Garnish with cilantro leaves (if using) and serve hot.

Notes

For a vegan option, omit the cheese and use a flax egg to coat the eggplant slices instead of an egg wash. Simply combine 3 tablespoons flaxmeal with 1/3 cup of water and let sit for 10 minutes. You can speed up this recipe by skipping the step of salting the eggplant. Just note that this helps draw out the bitterness.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g