Eggplant Parmigiana

FOR SAUCE: In a large frying-pan, cook garlic in oil until tender and aromatic. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper and herbs. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour, or until sauce is thick and reduced by half.

FOR EGGPLANTS: Meanwhile cut eggplants into thin slices. Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pat eggplants dry and dust with flour. Heat 1/4 cup oil in frying-pan and fry slices over moderately high heat until lightly browned on both sides. Add more oil as necessary.

TO ASSEMBLE: Cut mozzarella into thin slices. Cover bottom of an oiled gratin dish with a thin layer tomato sauce and add a layer of eggplant and one of mozzarella. Spoon on more sauce, add another layer of eggplant and mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan. Repeat. Bake in oven for 30 minutes.