This delicious and easy eggplant dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a festive table. It’s not only appetizing but also healthy. Enjoy cooking and bon appétit!
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 2 eggplants
- Handful of green parsley
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Vegetable oil
- 150 grams of tomato sauce
- Oregano (to taste)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 100 grams of grated cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- 10 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Prepare the Eggplants:
- Slice the Eggplants:
- Slice the eggplants as shown in the video (or into rounds).
- Soak in Salted Water:
- Place the eggplant slices in a deep plate and add enough water to cover them.
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in the water and let the eggplants soak for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness.
Make the Garlic Oil:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine vegetable oil with 1 clove of garlic (squeezed), ground black pepper, Italian herbs, and paprika.
- Mix everything well and set aside.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- Mix Sauce Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix 150 grams of tomato sauce with black pepper, salt, oregano, and 2 cloves of garlic (grated on a fine grater).
- Stir well to combine.
Dry and Season the Eggplants:
- Dry the Eggplants:
- After soaking, use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the eggplant slices.
- Season the Eggplants:
- Grease parchment paper with vegetable oil and place the eggplant slices on it.
- Brush the eggplant slices with the prepared garlic oil mixture.
Bake the Eggplants:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Bake:
- Bake the eggplant slices for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Dish:
- Add Toppings:
- Remove the baked eggplant slices from the oven.
- Spread the prepared tomato sauce over the eggplant slices.
- Sprinkle 100 grams of grated cheese and a handful of chopped green parsley on top.
Final Baking:
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil and coat it with breadcrumbs.
- Bake Again:
- Place the eggplant slices in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle 10 grams of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake at 180°C (360°F) for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve:
- Cool and Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy eggplant dish!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this eggplant dish hot as a main course or as a side dish.
- It pairs well with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a light pasta dish.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure to soak the eggplants in salted water to remove bitterness.
- Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preference.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggplants: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which contribute to heart health and digestion. This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a flavorful meal.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (contains breadcrumbs)
- Nut-Free: Yes
Storage
- Store any 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
- You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple to make, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
- The combination of tender eggplants, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Conclusion
This eggplant dish is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy cooking and bon appétit!