2 lb Aubergine; sliced crosswise
-1/4" thick
1 1/2 ts Salt
2 1/4 c  Olive oil, extra-virgin
1/4 ts Pepper
6 oz Mozzarella, fresh; sliced
-1/8" thick
2 oz Anchovy fillets
1/4 c  Basil, fresh; plus several
-sprigs for garnish
3    Eggs
1/2 c  Flour
3 c  Bread crumbs, fresh
Marinara Sauce; as
-accompaniment (opt)

Layer the eggplant slices in a colander, sprinkling each layer with the
salt. Set aside to drain for at least 1 hour. Pat the eggplant dry with
paper towels.

Preheat the oven to 375F. Using 1/4 c. of the olive oil, brush both sides
of each eggplant slice. Arrange the slices in a single layer on 2 large
baking sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until the eggplant
is tender when pierced with a fork but still holds its shape.

Remove from the oven; season with eggplant with the pepper. Cover half the
eggplant with mozzarella. Finely chop the anchovies and basil together;
sprinkle over the cheese. Cover with the remaining eggplant slices to form
sandwiches.

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with 2 teaspoons of water and 2 tea- spoons
of the olive oil. Coat the eggplant sandwiches with the flour, dusting off
any excess. Dip into the beaten egg, then coat the sand- wiches thoroughly
with the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

In a large heavy skillet, heat the remaining oil over moderately high heat
to 375F or until a small bread cube browns in about 1 minute. Fry the
eggplant sandwiches in small batches until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Arrange the
sandwiches on a platter or plates and serve on their own or with Marinara
Sauce, garnished with sprigs of fresh basil.

(The eggplant sanndwiches can be assembled and fried early in the day. Set
aside on a cookie sheet at room temperature and reheat in a 400F oven for
about 5 minutes just before serving.)