Eggplant Enchiladas Recipe 435

EGGPLANT ENCHILADAS RECIPE - (4.3/5)

Steps:

• 1. Trim the stem end of each eggplant. Using a mandoline, cut the eggplant lenthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. You should have about 12 slices. Sprinkle the eggplant on both sides with kosher salt, layer them in a colander, and let stand for 1 hour. (I was impatient and only let them drain for about a half hour... worked out just fine.) Press the moisture from the eggplant and blot them dry with paper towels. Pour olive (or canola) oil to a depth of 1 inch in a deep, heavy saucepan or large skillet (I used a cast iron pan) and heat to 360ºF on a deep-frying thermometer. (I did not use a thermometer - just watched the oil and tested when I thought it was ready.) Place 3 to 4 eggplant slices in the hot oil and cook until the slices take on some color, 3 to 4 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the slices to a colander (or paper-towel lined plate) to drain. Repeat with remaining slices. 2. Meanwhile, make the stuffing. In a bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, ricotta, lemon zest, juice, thyme and salt. 3. Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Spoon tomato sauce into a medium-sized baking dish (or individual gratin dishes) till bottom of dish is covered in a thin layer. Place a spoonful of filling at one end of each of the eggplant slices. Roll the slice around the filling and place it seam-side down in the dish on top of the tomato sauce. Spoon a tablespoon of cream (or less) over each roll to moisten. Bake until the edges of sauce around the sides of the dish are dark and the rolls are nicely caramelized, 20 to 25 minutes. Garnish with the Asiago (or parm) before serving.

EGGPLANT ENCHILADAS

Steps:

• Note: I made up this recipe on the fly, so all measurements are guesstimates only. I work by the season, taste, season some more method, so adjust the spices to your liking. Also, I made my own enchilada sauce with stuff I had on-hand, but a large can (24 oz) is about the amount you'll need.
• Cut the eggplant and potatoes into rounds about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.
• Dice into small cubes. (I have an onion chopper that does this for me very quickly -- ).
• In a large skillet, saute the eggplant and potatoes for 5-10 minutes, adding seasonings and adjusting as desired. Don't cook so long that the eggplant gets mushy-the potatoes will still be crunchy.
• Slice enough cheddar to put one or two pieces in each tortilla.
• Put a layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9" x 13" dish.
• Soften the tortillas by heating them in a skillet or the microwave so that they will roll without breaking.
• Fill each tortilla with a slice of cheese and a spoonful of the potato/eggplant mixture. Roll and place in the dish.
• Repeat until you have two 9" x 13" dishes each filled with 12 enchiladas.
• Cover the enchiladas with the remaining sauce, getting it between the tortillas.
• Top with grated cheddar.
• Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

MOOSEWOOD EGGPLANT ENCHILADAS

Steps:

• Sauce:.
• Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the onion, chili, and salt, and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes transparent. Add cumin, chili powder and half the garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes longer.
• Add the tomatoes and water or juice. Bring to a boil, partially cover, and turn the heat down as low as possible. Simmer for 30 minutes, adding the remaining garlic, and optional black pepper and cayenne to taste during the last 5 minutes or so.
• NOTE: You can leave the sauce in chunky form, or smooth it out by puréeing it in a blender. (I like to use a hand-held immersion blender for this. Be careful not to splash!).
• Enchiladas:.
• Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
• Add eggplant, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is soft.
• Add garlic and bell pepper. Stir and cook 5 minutes longer, or until the pepper is tender. Taste to correct salt.
• Remove from heat; stir in almonds and cheese.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Moisten each tortilla briefly in water then place approximately 1/4 cup filling on one side and roll up. Gently place the filled enchiladas in a baking pan, and pour a full recipe of Mexican Red Sauce over the top. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. Serve hot, with beans, rice, and green salad.