A flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender baked eggplant slices topped with seasoned tomato sauce, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic. Perfect as a main course or side dish, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy eggplant.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 2 eggplants
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Vegetable oil, as needed
- 150 g (⅔ cup) tomato sauce
- Oregano, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 100 g (1 cup) grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
- Breadcrumbs, for coating
- 10 g (2 tbsp) grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants
- Slice the eggplants into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Place the slices in a deep plate and cover with water. Add 1 tbsp salt to the water and let the eggplants soak for 10 minutes to remove bitterness.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Oil
- In a small bowl, mix vegetable oil with 1 minced clove of garlic, ground black pepper, Italian herbs, and paprika. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- In another bowl, combine the tomato sauce with black pepper, salt, oregano, and 2 grated cloves of garlic. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Dry and Season the Eggplants
- Drain the eggplant slices and pat dry with paper towels.
- Grease a parchment-lined baking sheet with vegetable oil.
- Arrange the eggplant slices on the sheet and brush each slice with the garlic oil mixture.
Step 5: Bake the Eggplants
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Bake the eggplant slices for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
- Remove the baked eggplant slices from the oven.
- Spread the prepared tomato sauce over each slice.
- Sprinkle grated cheese and chopped parsley evenly over the top.
Step 7: Final Baking
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the eggplant slices in the dish and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes at 180°C (360°F), until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 8: Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious baked eggplant dish!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot as a main course with a side of crusty bread or rice.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Cooking Tips
- To ensure even cooking, slice the eggplants uniformly.
- For a richer flavor, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the eggplants before baking.
- Substitute zucchini for eggplant for a different twist on the recipe.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggplant: Low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Cheese: Provides calcium and protein.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds vitamin C and lycopene.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings):
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A simple yet flavorful way to enjoy eggplants.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors.
- Easy to prepare and versatile as a main dish or side.
- Perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Conclusion
This Baked Eggplant with Tomato Sauce and Cheese is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s both comforting and healthy. With its tender eggplants, savory tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is a great addition to your meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I skip soaking the eggplants? Soaking helps remove bitterness, but if your eggplants are fresh and sweet, you can skip this step.
- Can I use a different cheese? Yes, mozzarella, gouda, or even vegan cheese works well.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze this dish? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
- What can I substitute for breadcrumbs? Use crushed crackers, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce? Yes, blend fresh tomatoes into a puree and season as directed.
- How do I prevent soggy eggplants? Pat the eggplants dry thoroughly after soaking and avoid overloading the baking dish.
- What herbs work best for seasoning? Italian herbs, oregano, thyme, or basil complement the flavors well.
- Can I add meat to this dish? Yes, layer cooked ground meat or sausage between the eggplants and sauce.
- Can I make this vegan? Yes, use vegan cheese and plant-based Parmesan alternatives.
Enjoy this easy and flavorful eggplant dish anytime!