Eggplant Parmesan

Preheat oven to 425°F. Trim the eggplant and cut lengthwise into 4 planks. Place on a baking sheet and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake until lightly browned on each side, flipping halfway through, 15 to 20 minutes.

Peel and mince the shallot and garlic. Zest and halve the lemon, juice one half, and divide the other half into wedges. Pick and tear the basil leaves. Add just half the minced garlic, mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, and 2 tsp olive oil to a small bowl. Toss to combine.

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add minced shallot, remaining minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, ¼ tsp salt, and a pinch of pepper, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add 1¼ cups water and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add Israeli couscous, reduce heat to low, and cook, covered, until water is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, just half the torn basil leaves, 2 tsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the lemon basil couscous to combine.

Remove the baked eggplant from the oven and top with garlicky tomato sauce and breadcrumb mixture. Return to oven and bake until breadcrumbs are golden brown, another 4 to 6 minutes.

Divide the lemon basil couscous between bowls and add the eggplant parmesan. Top with the remaining torn basil leaves and serve with lemon wedges. Tuck in!