Eggplant and Asparagus Napoleons

I love, love, love the asparagus and eggplant combination!  I call it my "meat and potatoes" when I am on my "clean eating" vibe.  I found this easy and less than an hour recipe on the Food Network and let me tell you... yummy to your tummy!

You can make adjustments to the recipe to fit your taste bud needs.

Total Time: 43 mins.
Prep: 15 mins.
Inactive: 5 mins.
Cook: 23 mins.

Yield: 4 servings

Level: Easy ((( I LIKEY!!!)))

Ingredients
Vegetables:
1 large or 2 small eggplants, unpeeled, cut into 12 (1/2-inch thick) slices
16 medium asparagus spears (about 1 1/2 pounds), trimmed to 5-inch lengths
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Filling:
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.

For the vegetables: Place a grill pan over medium-high heat, or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the eggplant until tender, about 4 minutes each side. Grill the asparagus for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally until crisp-tender. When cool enough to handle, cut the asparagus in half crosswise.

For the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, basil, Pecorino Romano, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

To assemble: Place 4 slices eggplant on a work surface. Spread each with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Line 4 pieces of asparagus, side-by-side, on top. Place another slice of eggplant on top and repeat the layers. Top each napoleon with a slice of eggplant and place on a small baking sheet. Bake until warmed through, about 10 minutes, and serve.

Cook's Note: If the eggplant slices dry out in the oven, drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Per Serving: Calories: 288; Total Fat: 19 grams; Saturated Fat: 11grams; Protein: 19 grams; Total carbohydrates: 13 grams; Sugar: 5 grams; Fiber: 6 grams; Cholesterol: 62 milligrams; Sodium: 457 milligrams