EGGPLANT PARMESAN

1 small eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

3/4 cup tomato sauce
1 small onion, peeled and sliced
1 small bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 can (4-oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
Garlic salt to taste (Better to use garlic powder and omit the salt)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/8 tsp oregano
1/8 tsp basil
3-oz part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Bake eggplant slices, uncovered, in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet 15-20 minutes or until soft.

Meanwhile in a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic salt, pepper, oregano, and basil; simmer 15 minutes.

Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and place half the eggplant slices over the bottom. Pour half the tomato sauce mixture over the eggplant and sprinkle with half the cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Before serving, garnish if desired.

Yield: 4 servings

file photo.