Transylvanian Eggplant Casserole

into 1/2 inch slices 2 c Chopped onions 3 tb Veg.

oil 4 c Sliced mushrooms 4 ea Fresh tomatoes, chopped 1 1/2 ts Dried marjoram 3/4 ts Dried thyme 1 ts Sweet Hungarian paprika Salt and freshly ground -black pepper to taste 4 1/2 c Cooked brown rice 1/4 c Fresh lemon juice 1/4 c Chopped fresh parsley 2 tb Pine nuts 4 ea Eggs, well beaten 1/2 c Bread crumbs 2/3 c Pine nuts ground 2-3 Tbl.

veg.

oil or butter Chopped fresh parsley Red bell pepper slivers

Place the eggplant slices on an oiled baking sheet, salt them lightly, and

cover them with aluminum foil.

Bake at 400-F.

until tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Lower oven to 350.

Meanwhile, saute the onions in the oil until translucent.

Add the mushrooms and continue to

cook ,covered, on medium

heat until the mushrooms have released their juices and become soft.

Stir in the tomatoes, marjoram, thyme, paprika, salt and black pepper.

Cover and

simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and drain off most of the juice.

Set aside.

Combine the rice, lemon juice, parsley, and pine nuts.

To assemble the casserole, oil a 9x13x2 1/2-inch baking dish.

Spread half the rice mixture on the bottom and cover with half the eggplant slices.

Spoon half the sauteed vegetables on top of the eggplant layer.

Repeat this process using the remaining rice, eggplant, and vegetables.

Pour the eggs evenly over the top of the casserole so that they drizzle down into it.

Combine the breadcrumbs and nuts and saute them on low

heat in the oil or butter for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly.

Top the casserole with the nut mixture and bake it, covered, at 350, for about 30 minutes.

Then uncover and bake for 10 minutes until the top is crisp and the casserole still moist.

Garnish with parsley and peppers.