Market Umbrella is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3), based in New Orleans, whose mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella has operated the Crescent City Farmers Markets (CCFM) since 1995.
Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Eggplant Parmesan
Every young (and old) chef has looked to Jamie Oliver for a classic recipe. This eggplant parm recipe featured in the NY Times is no exception. Load up on your fav eggplant, fresh and dry herbs, and a crusty loaf of bread from the market for this end of summer staple.
Ingredients
- 3 medium-large eggplants, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
- Olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 28-ounce can no-salt plum tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, or as needed
- ⅓ cup fine dry bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with oil, and place in a single layer on two or more baking sheets. Bake until undersides are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes, then turn and bake until other sides are lightly browned. Set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and add the onion. Sauté until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and dried oregano and sauté another 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and their juices, breaking up whole tomatoes with your hands. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
Add vinegar, basil and salt, and pepper to taste. Into a 9-by-9-inch, 10-by-5-inch or 10-by-6-inch baking pan, spoon a small amount of tomato sauce, then add a thin scattering of Parmigiano, then a single layer of eggplant. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a little sauce and a sprinkling of Parmigiano. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and oregano, if using, with just enough olive oil to moisten. Sprinkle on top. If desired, the recipe can be made to this point and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Bake until eggplant mixture is bubbly and center is hot, 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size of pan and thickness of layers. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. The recipe can also be reheated.
About Us
The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly year-round throughout New Orleans. The CCFM hosts 70+ local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 150,000 shoppers annually.