Menu Planning by Using the Sales Circluar - Eggplant Casserole Recipe

Eggplant is one of my favorite foods. As promised earlier this week, I'm sharing one of my favorite eggplant recipes. My parents made this when we had fresh eggplant from the garden so it brings back several good childhood memories for me.

This is a very simple recipe that can be used as a side dish or as a main dish if you are vegetarian or have a meatless night in your menu plan. Like most casseroles, it travels well so it is great for a potluck dinner or when taking a meal to one who is ill.

I chose to share this particular dish this week since the ingredients are currently on sale at Publix. I wanted to provide an example of being able to reduce your budget by planning a menu around items that can be found on sale and demonstrate that you don't have to eat junk food in order to save money.

Eggplant Casserole:

Recipe makes 9x13 casserole dish. 6 healthy portions. Leftovers can be frozen for homemade "tv dinners".

Ingredients:

2 Smaller Eggplants- Look for firm eggplant with a shiny peel. $1.29/lb at Publix
2 28 oz Cans Diced Tomatoes - The Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes are on Advantage Buy at Publix for $1.75/28 oz can see scenario here to get these for FREE.
1 package (tube) of crackers - (like Ritz, Town House, etc.) OR
Substitute the crackers for the Progresso Bread Crumbs that are on sale BOGO and have a $1/2 printable coupon.
1 8oz package of shredded cheese - Publix has their brand on sale for $2.00 this week. Not the best deal, but at least it is discounted some.

Directions:

Slice eggplant into 1/3 inch pieces. (Inside of eggplant should be firm and light in color. The seeds will be visible throughout.)
Salt and soak eggplant in water for 30 minutes. This removes the bitter taste often associated with eggplant.
Spray casserole dish with oil (I use canola)
Remove eggplant from water and rinse salt off of eggplant.
Place first layer of eggplant into dish.
Drain tomatoes.
Layer first can of tomatoes on top of eggplant.
Place second layer of eggplant.
Layer second can of tomatoes on top of eggplant.
Crumble crackers into crumbs. Tip: Crumble them in the package to reduce mess.
Sprinkle cracker crumbs (or bread crumbs) over eggplant.
Top with cheese.
Heat oven 350 degrees.
Cover pan with aluminum foil.
Place in oven and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Cheese should be melted and eggplant should appear dark in color.
Serve over bed of rice (I allow at least 2/3 cup per person, more if serving as main dish.)

For an Easy Meal Serve With These Other Sale Items:

Barber Stuffed Chicken Breasts (2 pieces) $4.99 BOGO
$1.50/1 after $1/1 (9/7 S1) OR $1/1 Printable Coupon

Publix Classic Salad Mix 16 oz. $1.99 BOGO

A complete meal for 6 for just over $2 per person, or skip the chicken and save even more!