Creole Eggplant Souffle

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Title: Creole Eggplant Souffle
Categories: Vegetables, Side dishes
Yield: 5 servings

2 T Butter
1 x Med stalk celery, diced
1 T Unbleached white Flour
1 T Minced fresh basil
1/2 c Whole or low-fat Milk
1/2 c Fresh, soft bread crumbs
3 x Eggs, separated, room temp.
1 x Med Onion, finely chopped
2 x Cloves Garlic, minced
2 T Minced fresh parsley
1/2 t Dried Thyme
1 x Lg Eggplant , peeled & diced
1 c Grated white cheese *
1 ds Cayenne pepper

* firmly packed grated mild white cheese of your choice

Preheat oven to 350 deg F.
In a large skillet, heat butter till it foams. Add the onion,
celery, and garlic and saute over low heat until the onion is
translucent. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring until well blended. Add
the herbs and saute, stirring until the mixture just begins to brown.
Add the milk and the diced eggplant (about 1 1/2 lbs). Cover and cook
over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is quite
tender. Add a bit of water from time to time if necessary, just
enough to keep the bottom of the skillet moist. Remove from the heat.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Add the bread crumbs, cheese,
salt and pepper to taste, cayenne, and 3 egg yolks. In another bowl,
beat the 3 egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then fold them
gently into the eggplant mixture. Pour the mixture into a well-oiled
1 1/2 qt baking casserole or souffle pan.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let the
souffle sit for 5 minutes, then serve at once. Serves 4-6.

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