Eggplant Casserole (vegetarian)

I (Ashley) made this as an experiment when I got home after break. I'd stopped by the produce market, but hadn't done any other real grocery shopping.  It turned out amazingly delicious (my roommate agreed, and she tried it as leftovers while I was at work, so she didn't have to say anything if it wasn't good :p)

Ingredients:
1 large eggplant
1/2 red onion
1 bell pepper
2 crisp apples (I used crisp Fiji.  I imagine Granny Smith would also be good)
2/3 c (or maybe a little more) Italian-style breadcrumbs
3 eggs (beaten)
3/4 cheese (I used Dubliner.  I think Parmesan or really any dry cheese would also be good)
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper (or a bit more)


Chop 1st four ingredients and combine them in a large bowl
Add breadcrumbs and cheese and combine well (I used my hands)
Mix beaten eggs with salt, pepper & cayenne and add to veggie mixture

Spread casserole in a greased 9x11 pan and sprinkle with 1/4 more cup of cheese.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour (or until eggplant is soft, I didn't really keep track of exactly how long it was.

   

Curry Rice Pilaf

(Sarah's Recipe)

Curry Rice Pilaf

1/2 cup chopped green onions, divided (or regular onions)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)

1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted (optional)

Directions

·         In a large skillet, sauté 1/4 (or all if using regular onions) cup onions and garlic in butter until tender.

·         Stir in rice and curry powder.

·         Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until rice is lightly browned.

·         In a saucepan, heat broth and salt. Pour over rice mixture; stir.

·         Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender.

·         Remove from the heat; stir in raisins, almonds and remaining onions.

Meal Idea: Excellent served with roasted chicken and green beans sautéed in olive oil with some almonds, salt, and pepper.