Ingredients for 8 servings:
1. olive oil flavored cooking spray
2. 2 medium raw eggplants, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
3. 3/4 teaspoon table salt
4. 1 lb extra lean ground chicken breast
5. 1 cup onion, sliced
6. 2 garlic cloves, minced
7. 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh, chopped
8. 1/3 teaspoon dried parsley
9. 1/3 teaspoon chives, dried
10. 1/3 teaspoon dried tarragon
11. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13. 1/2 teaspoon table salt
14. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
15. 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
16. 2 tablespoons canned tomato paste
17. 6 ounces soyakaas grated parmesan style soy cheese (about 3/4 cup)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 9 X 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Place eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon of salt; let stand 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Meanwhile, coat a large skillet with cooking spray; over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken; cook until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
5. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until onion is soft, about 3 minutes more.
6. Add fresh parsley, dried herbs, cinnamon, nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper; stir to coat.
7. Cook until herbs and spices are fragrant. about 1 minute.
8. Add tomatoes and tomato paste; bring to a simmer.
9. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
10. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and set aside.
11. Off heat, coat surface of same skillet with cooking spray; set pan over medium-high heat.
12. Wipe salt from eggplant slices with paper towel and add eggplant to hot skillet.
13. Cook, until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
14. Arrange half of eggplant slices on bottom of prepared baking pan, slightly overlapping pieces to cover entire surface of pan.
15. Top eggplant with chicken mixture; top with 1/4 cup of grated topping.
16. Top with remaining eggplant slices and remaining 1/2 cup of grated topping.
17. Bake until top is golden brown and filling is hot, about 45 minutes.
18. Let stand 10 minutes, slice into 8 pieces and serve.
Enjoy your meal!