baked ziti with italian sausage and eggplant

How To Make baked ziti with italian sausage and eggplant

• 
  Step 1
  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish.
• 
  Step 2
  In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/4 cup of the oil.
• 
  Step 3
  Add the eggplant in batches, seasoning on both sides with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, adding more oil as needed.
• 
  Step 4
  Transfer to a plate when each batch is done.
• 
  Step 5
  Heat 2 tablespoons of the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot but not smoking, add the onion and sausage.
• 
  Step 6
  Cook, stirring until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft about 6 minutes.
• 
  Step 7
  Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown.
• 
  Step 8
  Add the tomatoes, their juices, the Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the crushed red pepper.
• 
  Step 9
  Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer, uncovered, until the flavors marry and the sauce slightly thickens, about 20 minutes.
• 
  Step 10
  Remove from the heat. Add the basil and adjust seasoning, to taste.
• 
  Step 11
  Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and forms a light roux, about 2 minutes.
• 
  Step 12
  Whisk in the milk and, whisking frequently, cook until the sauce is thickened and smooth, about 4 minutes.
• 
  Step 13
  Remove from the heat and season with the nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste.
• 
  Step 14
  Arrange half of the eggplant slices on the bottom of the casserole, overlapping as necessary.
• 
  Step 15
  Top with half of the cooked pasta; then half of the sausage-tomato sauce.
• 
  Step 16
  Place another layer of eggplant slices on top of the sauce.
• 
  Step 17
  Then layers of pasta and sausage-tomato sauce.
• 
  Step 18
  Pour on the white sauce.
• 
  Step 19
  Then top with the grated mozzarella and Parmesan.
• 
  Step 20
  Bake for 35 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown on top.
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!