Delicious Eggplant Lasagna Recipe: A Friend’s Italian Secret 🍽️

1️⃣ Slice the eggplants into thin rounds. Sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2️⃣ Grill or pan-fry: Heat a little olive oil in a pan and cook the eggplant slices on both sides until they are golden and tender. Set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
1️⃣ Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
2️⃣ Cook the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir in salt, pepper, sweet paprika, sugar, and dried basil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
1️⃣ Mix ricotta and eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and combine them with ricotta cheese.
2️⃣ Add mozzarella: Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture for extra creaminess.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
1️⃣ Layer the ingredients: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom. Then, add a layer of lasagna noodles.
2️⃣ Add the eggplant: Lay a layer of eggplant slices on top of the noodles.
3️⃣ Add ricotta mixture: Spread a generous amount of the ricotta and egg mixture over the eggplant.
4️⃣ Repeat the layers: Continue layering with sauce, eggplant, ricotta mixture, and noodles until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Finish with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
1️⃣ Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Finish with cheese: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the top with extra mozzarella. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
1️⃣ Let it rest: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
2️⃣ Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips 🍽️
Serving: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

What to Expect 🌟
Rich flavor: The sweet paprika and basil complement the hearty eggplant and rich cheese layers, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.

Texture: The combination of tender eggplant and creamy ricotta makes every bite comforting.

Enjoy this Italian-inspired Eggplant Lasagna, a delicious twist on the classic!