Eggplant Parmesan {Vegan}

Step 1

In a large colander, add the sliced eggplant and the salt. Place the collander in the sink or over a bowl to collect any of the extracted moisture. You may get anywhere from 1-3 Tbl of water depending on the eggplant. This takes about 35-40 minutes.

Step 2

You can wipe away any excess salt before proceeding as you press them to remove any remaining moisture. You want to remove as mush liquid as possible.

Step 3

In a bowl, add the ground flax and water. Allow to sit and thicken (preferably in the refrigerator) for about 10-15 minutes. You want it gelatinous, but if it gets too thick, you can always thin with a bit more water. This will be our "egg" wash mixture.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place your baking sheets in NOW to preheat.

Step 5

Combine the bread crumbs with the parmesan and seasonings in a large dish or pie plate.

Step 6

In another bowl, or zip-top bag, add the flour and toss the eggplant, shaking to remove any excess.

Step 7

Take the flour-coated eggplant and dip in the wash mixture until completely coated. Follow with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 8

Remove the preheated baking sheets and before placing the eggplant, brush with oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes and then flip until both sides are crispy and golden brown.

Step 9

In a saute pan, add the oil and onions. As they begin to soften, add the garlic.

Step 10

Add the onion mixture and spices to the sauce. I like to heat mine so that it's already hot before going into the oven.

Step 11

Add some sauce to the bottom of an 8"x8" baking pan, and place four of the baked eggplant slices.

Step 12

Top with a bit of sauce, followed by parmesan and mozzarella. Add to that, another slice of the eggplant on top of each. Repeat with sauce, parmesan and mozzarella.

Step 13

Bake at 400 degrees until hot and bubbly and the cheese starts to melt.

Step 14

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.