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Quinoa Crusted Baked Three-Cheese Zucchini and Eggplant Parmesan | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
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4.18 from 23 votes

Quinoa Crusted Baked Three-Cheese Zucchini and Eggplant Parmesan.

Great cozy comfort meal on a rainy summer day!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 994kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 in medium eggplant sliced 1/2 inch slices
  • 2 in small to medium zucchinis sliced 1/2 inch slices
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs may use regular or [gluten free | http://www.amazon.com/Aleias-Gluten-Panko-Crumbs-Original/dp/B008PA9TUE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405535558&sr=8-2&keywords=gluten+free+bread+crumbs] if needed
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan divided
  • 3 eggs beaten, divided
  • 16 ounces whole or part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper
  • cooking spray
  • 4 ounces fontina cheese shredded
  • 4-6 cups of [your favorite pasta sauce | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/crockpot-brown-butter-marinara-sauce/]
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
  • your favorite cooked pasta for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment.
  • In a medium bowl combine the quinoa, bread crumbs and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. In another smaller bowl whisk together the eggs.
  • Working in an assembly line dip the zucchini and eggplant slices through the eggs and then dredge them through the quinoa mixture, very gently shaking to remove excess. Place on the prepared baking sheet and continue with the remaining zucchini and eggplant slices. If you are having trouble getting the quinoa to adhere to the veggies, just sprinkle the quinoa over both sides of the veggies and place on the baking sheet. It will bake together in the oven. Sprinkle the veggies generously with salt and pepper. Spray lightly with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes rotating the pan after 15 minutes. The veggies should be lightly golden and crisp.
  • Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 egg, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, basil, garlic and crushed red pepper to a bowl. Mix until smooth.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or other dish equivalent in size. Spread about 1-2 cups of pasta sauce on the bottom.
  • Place a layer of zucchini and eggplant over the sauce. Spread half the ricotta mixture over the zucchini and eggplant. Spread another cup or so of pasta sauce over top. Layer with more zucchini and eggplant, saving a few for the final layer. Sprinkle the veggies with the fontina cheese and then add the remaining ricotta mixture plus another cup or so of sauce. Add the remaining zucchini + eggplant and then pour the remaining sauce over top. Cover tightly with foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, remove and top with the mozzarella. Bake un-covered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. Serve with hot pasta and fresh parmesan.

Notes

*Adapted from [Cooking Light | http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/eggplant-parmesan-10000002011044/]

Nutrition

Serving: 6g | Calories: 994kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 168mg | Sodium: 1692mg | Potassium: 1252mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1920IU | Vitamin C: 25.3mg | Calcium: 725mg | Iron: 5mg