This Baked Eggplant with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a light meal or a side dish. The combination of tender eggplant, savory tomato puree, fresh mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes makes this a flavorful and satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- 120g tomato puree
- 1 mozzarella ball
- 100g cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Dried thyme, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Slice the eggplant into rounds about 1 cm thick.
- Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
- First Bake:
- Bake the seasoned eggplant slices in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are tender and slightly golden.
- Add Toppings:
- While the eggplant is baking, slice the mozzarella and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- After the initial baking time, remove the eggplant from the oven.
- Spread a spoonful of tomato puree on each eggplant slice.
- Top with slices of mozzarella and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Final Bake:
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
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- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side of fresh salad.
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Enjoy as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a high-quality tomato puree or marinara sauce.
- Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
- To avoid soggy eggplant, you can lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes before baking. Pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning and baking.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Eggplants are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Mozzarella cheese adds protein and calcium to the dish.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
- Can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based cheese alternative.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a simple and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare.
- Combines the rich flavors of eggplant, tomato, and cheese.
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant side dish.
Conclusion:
This Baked Eggplant with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the combination of tender eggplant, savory tomato puree, and melted mozzarella, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!