Baked Eggplant Delight with Spinach and Cheese

– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg (optional, for binding)
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

### Directions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Eggplant:**
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
– Slice the eggplants into **1/2-inch thick rounds**. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
– **Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil** on both sides and season with **salt** and **pepper**. This will help the eggplant roast beautifully and develop a nice golden-brown color as it bakes.
– **Roast the eggplant** in the preheated oven for about **20 minutes**, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure even cooking. The eggplant should be tender but not mushy.

#### 2. **Sauté the Spinach:**
– While the eggplant is roasting, heat a **skillet** over medium heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil.
– Add the **minced garlic** to the skillet and sauté for about **30 seconds** until fragrant.
– Add the chopped **spinach** to the skillet and cook until wilted, about **2-3 minutes**. Season with **salt**, **pepper**, and **dried oregano** (and basil, if using).
– Once the spinach is cooked down, remove it from the heat and set aside.

#### 3. **Assemble the Dish:**
– In a medium bowl, combine the cooked **spinach** with **ricotta cheese**, **shredded mozzarella**, **grated Parmesan**, and **egg** (if using). Stir until well combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients together and makes the filling extra creamy.

#### 4. **Layer and Bake:**
– After the eggplant slices have roasted, **place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture** on top of each eggplant slice. Spread it evenly to cover the eggplant.
– Once all of the eggplant slices are topped with the spinach and cheese mixture, **sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese** over the top of each slice for a delicious, golden finish.
– Place the baking sheet back in the oven and **bake for an additional 10-15 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

#### 5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Once the dish is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with **fresh basil** or **parsley** for an added burst of color and freshness.
– Serve as a **main course** with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a simple green salad, or enjoy it as a side dish alongside a protein like grilled chicken or fish.

### Why This Recipe Works:

1. **Tender, Roasted Eggplant:**
The eggplant, when roasted, softens and takes on a rich flavor that provides a perfect base for the dish. Roasting also brings out its natural sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with the savory spinach and cheese.

2. **Creamy Spinach and Cheese Filling:**
The spinach is cooked down with garlic and herbs, creating a rich, savory filling that complements the mild eggplant. The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan adds a creamy texture and a savory depth of flavor that makes each bite indulgent.

3. **Golden, Crispy Cheese Topping:**
The mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the eggplant melt together to form a crispy, golden crust that adds a satisfying texture to the dish. It also helps bring everything together, creating a cohesive and flavorful meal.

### Customization Ideas:

1. **Cheese Variations:**
You can swap out the cheeses to fit your preferences. For a tangier flavor, use **feta cheese** or **goat cheese**. If you prefer a gooey, stretchy texture, you can add extra **mozzarella** or use **cheddar cheese** for a sharper taste.

2. **Add More Veggies:**
Want to make the dish even heartier? Consider adding other vegetables to the mix. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini would complement the eggplant and spinach perfectly.

3. **Spice it Up:**
If you like a little heat, add some **red pepper flakes** to the spinach mixture, or top the finished dish with a drizzle of **hot sauce** or **balsamic glaze** for a zesty finish.

4. **Make it Vegan:**
To make this recipe vegan, swap the cheese for **vegan cheese** or use a mixture of **tofu** and **nutritional yeast** as a cheesy substitute. You can also skip the egg and use a flax egg or another vegan binding agent.

### Tips for Success:

1. **Don’t Overcook the Eggplant:**
Make sure to roast the eggplant until it’s just tender and lightly golden. Overcooking can make it too soft, which may cause it to fall apart when you assemble the dish.

2. **Squeeze Out Excess Moisture from Spinach:**
Spinach can release a lot of moisture when cooked. After cooking, you may want to place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess water before mixing it with the cheese.

3. **Let it Cool Before Serving:**
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also make it easier to serve without the cheese sliding off.

### Conclusion:

**Baked Eggplant Delight with Spinach and Cheese** is a flavorful, healthy dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as a side, the combination of tender roasted eggplant, savory spinach, and melty cheese is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Try it today, and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal!