• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Trim eggplant; halve crosswise. Score just inside the skin with 5-6 vertical cuts. Season with salt and pepper.

• Step 2

  Heat oil in braising pan on MED-HIGH. Add eggplant; cook on all sides 3-4 min each until lightly browned. (Use caution; oil can splatter.)

• Step 3

  Transfer eggplant to rack placed in rimmed baking sheet. Bake 60-65 min on center rack of oven until soft and tender. Remove from oven; cool 30-60 min until easy to handle. Peel, discarding skin.

• Step 4

  Place four oven-safe bowls on baking sheet. Add 1/2 cup marinara sauce to each; top with eggplant, then 2 Tbsp mozzarella and 1/2 tsp grated cheese. Bake 20-25 min until cheese browns.

Garnish with fresh basil.

Note: When servings & ingredients are modified, nutrition & directions may vary.