Recipes : Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Stacks : Food Network

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Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Stacks
Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello

Ingredients
3 large globe eggplants, each about 1 pound, cut
crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
1/4 cup kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons good-quality balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper
16 slices large tomato, each 1/4-inch thick
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch slices

Instructions

In a large bowl toss the eggplant slices with 1/4 cup
kosher salt. Using your fingertips, evenly distribute the salt on both sides of
each slice. Place the eggplant in a colander set over a large bowl or sheet pan to
catch juices. Set aside for 1 to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line two 18 by 13-inch baking sheets with
heavy-duty foil.

Rinse the eggplant under cold water and dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on one baking sheet. Brush olive oil
on 1 side. Brush with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.

Drizzle the other pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Arrange the tomato slices in a

single layer, season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with the minced
garlic.

Roast the tomatoe slices until they are very soft and just beginning to brown, 10
to 15 minutes, without turning. Bake the eggplant slices until they are tender and
well browned, 20 to 30 minutes, without turning. Let the tomato and eggplant
slices cool until you can handle them with your fingers.

Make a short stack starting with eggplant on the bottom, 1 slice mozzarella, and
then tomato. Top with another piece of eggplant. Warm stacks in the oven until
mozzarella lightly melts. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.