Eggplant Parmigana

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 medium size eggplant

2 cups basic tomato sauce

1 bunch basil

1 pound fresh mozzarella

1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, finely grated

1/2 pound pancetta, crispy

Make the necessary basic tomato sauce.

Preheat the oven to 450 F, Oil a baking sheet with olive oil.

Cut each eggplant into 6 slices. Rub each slice on both sides on oiled sheet. Lightly salt and pepper, and place on the oiled sheet

Bake for 12 minutes on the first side, and 5 on the second side until slightly brown on each side. Transfer to a large plate or platter and let cool. lower the oven temperature to 350.

Arrange the 3 largest eggplant slices in a 9 by 12 baking pan, spacing them evenly. Spread 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce over each slice, and sprinkle each with 1teaspoon of basil. Place one slice of Mozzarella over each and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Parmigiano. Add another layer and repeat using up all the slices.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and tops are lightly browned. serve hot, warm, or at room temperature

Sprinkle with fried bits of Pancetta, grated parmigiano and serve.

2400 calories total / 600 per person

Chef's notes