Exquisite Nutty Eggplant Bake: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight

This Exquisite Nutty Eggplant Bake is a savory and hearty vegetarian dish that combines tender eggplant slices with a flavorful nutty topping. It's perfect for a comforting dinner and is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates with its rich textures and robust flavors.

### Ingredients

- 2 large eggplants- 1 cup breadcrumbs- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese- 2 cloves garlic, minced- 1 tsp dried oregano- 1 tsp dried basil- 1/2 tsp salt- 1/4 tsp black pepper- 2 cups marinara sauce- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese- 1/4 cup olive oil- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

### Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplants:- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).- Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds.- Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush both sides with olive oil.- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplants are golden and tender.

2. Prepare the Nutty Topping:- In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped walnuts, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

3. Assemble the Bake:- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.- Place a layer of baked eggplant slices over the marinara sauce.- Sprinkle a handful of the nutty breadcrumb mixture over the eggplant slices.- Repeat the layering process, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

4. Bake the Dish:- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Serve:- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Exquisite Nutty Eggplant Bake as a main course with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.