I Hate Eggplant: Eggplant Parmesan

For some reason, when I was in high school, my best friend's mom thought I just LOVED eggplant parmesan. Whenever I'd come over, she'd say "I made your favorite!" I tried not to be rude, so I'd always eat it. But I think that just perpetuated the problem. Something about that slimy, eggplant-y texture with the american cheese slices on top [[yes, american cheese slices]] just didn't do it for me.

The more I think about it, the more I wonder if she was pulling my chain and made it just to torture me.

Anyway, ever since then I've hated eggplant. I never ordered it in restaurants or bothered to buy one. They were giant and purple and icky.

Andrew and I were feeling crazy in the produce section I suppose because that day we bought 2 coconuts [[more on that one later]] and an eggplant. The more I delve into my veganism, the more I'm discovering that I really enjoy things that before I completely detested. Bananas, tofu, Indian food -- now among my favorites. And since two days ago, eggplant.


[[Eggplant Parmesan]]
I freaking love this shit. Who woulda thought? This is BY FAR the best way to introduce someone to eggplant. Unless you use american cheese slices. Then it's not.

1 large eggplant, rinsed
2-3 tbs vegetable oil
1/2 cup chickpea flour, or white flour
1/3 cup water
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
oregano, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded follow your heart vegan mozzarella
1 recipe for spaghetti sauce
4-5 servings of whole wheat pasta

-- Preheat the oven broiler on low.
-- Slice washed eggplant, lengthwise, into 1/4 inch thick slices.
-- Mix water and flour into a thick paste. Set aside in a shallow bowl. Next to it, set aside a shallow bowl full of bread crumbs.
-- Lay out a cutting bored or piece of parchment paper. Dredge eggplant on both sides in the flour/water mixture, then press each side into the bread crumbs so they are fully coated.
-- When all the eggplant is coated, heat the vegetable oil on medium-high heat in a large skillet. Fry each side of the eggplant for 2-3 minutes or until crispy. Decrease time as you go, as the skillet will be hotter.
-- Place fried eggplant in a baking dish. Season with a dash of pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Top with a little sauce and some vegan mozzarella.
-- Put under broiler for about 5 minutes, watching, to be sure it does not burn. Once cheese is completely melted, removed and serve with some pasta and more sauce.