Eggplant and Italian Sausage Gratin

This Eggplant and Italian Sausage Gratin is detonating with fabulous Italian flavor. A delicious, make-ahead, ceremonial dinner worthy meal!

The idea for this Eggplant and Italian Sausage Gratin has been rolling around in my head since period of time once Scott’s garden began to prolifically turn out lovely, shiny purple eggplants. anytime he’d are available from the garden and his basket of goodies would come with eggplant, I’d say, “Tonight I’m getting to cause you to Associate in Nursing eggplant gratin”. I had sensible intentions, however one factor or another perceived to forever are available the approach.

There’s one delicious splurge that takes this Eggplant and Italian Sausage Gratin over the highest (literally!). whereas the eggplant is preparation and therefore the pasta sauce simmers, you’ll create the topping sauce. It’s an easy combination of reduced cream and a generous few each cheese cheese and cheese cheeses. The cheeses soften into the thickened cream making a silken and unbelievably saporous gratin topping.

Once the eggplant is cooked and therefore the sauces square measure prepared, it’s simple to place the full factor along. simply layer the eggplant and pasta sauce in an exceedingly gratin or casserole dish. prime with the luscious bechamel and pop the full factor within the kitchen appliance until it’s bubbly and golden. Serve in shallow bowls with some crusty bread (to mop up the fabulous sauce!) and an easy tossed salad.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplant sliced in 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 12 ounces Italian sausage removed from casings
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic finely minced
• 3 14 1/2- ounce can fire-roasted canned tomatoes
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 ounces grated parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F. Line two sheet pans with foil for easy cleanup. Brush foil generously with extra virgin olive oil. Arrange eggplant slices in even layers on prepared pans. Brush tops of eggplant slices lightly and quickly with olive oil. Work quickly as eggplant likes to absorb lots of oil. You just want to lightly coat the surface. Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate pans and bake another 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside
3. While eggplant is roasting, make the meat sauce and parmesan sauce. For the meat sauce, heat a medium-large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until lightly browned. Break the sausage up with a metal spatula and stir occasionally, as it cooks.
4. Drain excess grease and reduce heat to low. Add Italian seasoning and garlic and cook, stirring continually for 2 more minutes to soften the garlic and let the spices bloom.
5. Add fire-roasted tomatoes to the pot and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until sauce begins to thicken, stirring occasionally. Add fresh basil and cook for 5 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
6. For the parmesan sauce, pour 1 cup heavy cream into a medium-size saucepan. Heat over medium heat until simmering. Reduce heat and continue to cook, maintaining a medium-low simmer, until reduced approximately in half. This will take about 10 minutes. Add Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir over low heat, until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Cover and set aside.
7. To assemble gratin, lightly grease a low enameled cast iron pan, gratin pan or low casserole. Arrange half of the eggplant in the pan. Spoon about 1/2 of the meat sauce over the eggplant and then repeat layers. 
8. Stir the Parmesan sauce well and pour over the top of the eggplant and sauce. You can leave some of the eggplant mixture showing, if desired.
9. Reduce temperature to 350˚F and bake gratin until bubbly and beginning to turn golden in spots, 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving. Serve in shallow bowls with crusty bread.

Recipe From : The Cafe Sucre Farine