Olive oil – 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon, divided
Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
Panko breadcrumbs – 1/4 cup
Onion, finely chopped – 1
Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Red pasta sauce – 2 cups, divided
Fresh basil leaves, torn – 1/4 cup (plus more for topping)
Shredded mozzarella – 1.5 cups, divided
Parmesan cheese, finely grated – 1/2 cup, divided
Method
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 200°C.
Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise. Leaving a 1.5cm border, use a paring knife to cut around the insides of each half, then scoop out the flesh with a spoon, creating boats out of the shells. Coarsely chop the flesh and set aside.
Rub the insides of the hollowed eggplant shells with 1 tablespoon of the oil and season to your personal preference. Place the shells cut-side up in a rectangular baking dish. Roast until tender (there should be no resistance when pierced with the tip of a paring knife), about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the eggplant. Set aside.
Meanwhile, combine the breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon of the oil; set aside. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the chopped eggplant flesh, garlic, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the eggplant is tender (7 to 9 minutes). Stir in 1 cup of the pasta sauce and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the basil, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the parmesan and stir to combine.
Heat the broiler to high. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Transfer the eggplant shells to a work surface. Pour the remaining 1 cup of pasta sauce into the baking dish and spread into an even layer. Return the eggplant shells to the baking dish. Spoon the filling evenly into the shells. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup parmesan, and reserved breadcrumb mixture.
Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the breadcrumbs are browned (2 to 4 minutes). To serve, top the eggplant shells with pasta sauce from the baking dish and extra basil.
