Ever since the Arabs brought the eggplant ... tomato sauce. A good-quality store-bought tomato sauce will do the job equally well. Once that's sorted, a healthy amount of mozzarella and Parmesan ...

Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce over the eggplant. Top with a few mozzarella slices and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of the parmesan. Tear one-third of the basil leaves over the cheese.

The distinct layers of breaded eggplant, rich tomato ... half of the Parmesan, and then basil leaves. Top with another layer of the remaining eggplant, followed by the remaining sauce and then ...