This Eggplant and Mushroom Casserole with Parmesan and Ham is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of eggplant, mushrooms, and savory ham, all brought together with a crispy breadcrumb topping. The creamy filling, infused with garlic, onions, and bell pepper, makes this casserole a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for those who enjoy comfort food with a twist.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Cuisine This dish draws inspiration from Mediterranean and European cuisines, where eggplants and mushrooms are often used in casseroles and savory pies. The addition of Parmesan and ham brings richness and depth to the casserole.
Full List of Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 2 eggplants
- 4 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red), finely chopped
- 100g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 150g (5 oz) flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 150g (5 oz) champignons (or button mushrooms), sliced
- 100g (3.5 oz) ham, chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Butter, for greasing the dish
- Breadcrumbs, for topping
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Eggplants:
- Cut the eggplants into thick slices. Sprinkle with salt and leave them for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplants.
- After 15 minutes, use a paper towel to remove the moisture and pat the eggplant slices dry.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, crack 4 eggs and whisk them together with 1/2 cup of milk. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
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Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped bell pepper and minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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Prepare the Casserole Filling:
- Add the chopped mushrooms and ham to the pan with the onions and bell peppers. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
- Add the flour and baking powder to the pan, stirring to combine everything into a thick mixture.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for another 3-4 minutes.
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Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the bottom for extra crispiness.
- Layer the eggplant slices in the bottom of the baking dish, followed by the vegetable and ham mixture.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the top of the casserole. Ensure that everything is well-coated with the egg mixture.
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Bake the Casserole:
- Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs to give it a nice crispy topping.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe This recipe is a fusion of Mediterranean flavors, incorporating eggplants, mushrooms, and cheese for a rich and hearty meal. The addition of ham and a crispy breadcrumb topping is a common way to make casseroles more substantial. It’s a dish that’s great for gatherings or as a cozy dinner.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of eggplant, mushrooms, cheese, and ham creates a dish that’s both savory and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this casserole is quick to assemble and bake.
- Vegetable-Rich: The dish is packed with nutritious vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, and bell peppers, making it a healthy and filling option.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Fiber: Eggplants and mushrooms are both rich in dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
- Protein-Rich: The addition of ham and eggs provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Packed with Vitamins: Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, while mushrooms provide important nutrients like vitamin D, B-vitamins, and antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Green Salad: Serve this casserole with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- With Garlic Bread: Complement the casserole with some crispy garlic bread for dipping.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or potatoes for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Pre-Salt the Eggplant: Salting the eggplant before cooking helps remove excess moisture and bitterness. Be sure to pat it dry before cooking to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add more vegetables to the filling, such as spinach, zucchini, or even some olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can be added to the filling or sprinkled on top of the casserole for extra flavor.
Variations to Try
- Meatless Version: Omit the ham and use more mushrooms or a plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like gouda, ricotta, or goat cheese for different textures and flavors.
Conclusion This Eggplant and Mushroom Casserole with Parmesan and Ham is a versatile and delicious dish that combines the earthy flavors of eggplant, mushrooms, and cheese. It’s perfect for a family meal or a special dinner, offering a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love. With its savory filling, crispy topping, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like gouda, ricotta, or mozzarella. Each will bring a unique flavor to the casserole.
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Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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Can I use frozen eggplant? Fresh eggplant works best for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen eggplant, make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before using.
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Can I make this casserole without ham? Yes, you can make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding more vegetables or a plant-based protein.
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Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
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How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the filling is bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick to check if it’s heated through.
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Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or olives to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
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How do I make the filling creamy without cheese? If you prefer a creamier filling, you can substitute some of the cheese with ricotta or add a bit of cream or sour cream.
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What can I serve this casserole with? It pairs well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the casserole gluten-free.