Eggplant and Potato Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan

This comforting eggplant and potato bake combines simple ingredients with robust flavors, creating a delightful vegetarian dish perfect for family dinners or as a hearty side. Layered with rich cheeses and seasoned perfectly, it’s a nutritious and satisfying option for anyone looking for a healthy yet delicious meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 eggplants (about 1 kg): sliced into 1 cm thick rounds
  • Corn oil: for brushing the eggplants
  • Salt: to taste
  • 750 grams of potatoes: peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 large white onion: sliced into thin rings
  • 125 grams of Mozzarella cheese: torn into small pieces
  • 25 ml of extra virgin olive oil (EVO oil)
  • Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish
  • Black pepper: to taste
  • Oregano: to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of Grana Padano cheese (or Parmesan cheese): grated

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it’s hot enough for both stages of baking.
  2. Prepare the Eggplants:
    • Wash and slice the eggplants into rounds. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
    • Brush both sides of each slice with corn oil and sprinkle with a little salt to help draw out moisture and flavor.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through until they are tender and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  3. Prepare Other Ingredients:
    • While the eggplant is baking, peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
    • Slice the onion into thin rings.
  4. Layer the Dish:
    • In a baking dish, create layers starting with eggplant slices, followed by potato slices, and onion rings. Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used.
    • Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over each layer, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and oregano to enhance the flavors.
    • Distribute pieces of Mozzarella cheese and finally, sprinkle the Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  5. Bake the Dish:
    • Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and to allow the vegetables to cook through without drying out.
    • Bake covered for 30-35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until the top cheese layer is melted and golden brown.
  6. Garnish and Serve:
    • Once baked, let the dish sit for a few minutes out of the oven before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.
    • Serve warm as a main dish or a side, enjoying the melting cheese and the soft, flavorful layers of vegetables.

Tips for Perfection:

  • Slicing Consistency: Ensure that the slices of eggplant and potato are of uniform thickness to promote even cooking.
  • Draining Eggplants: Optionally, after slicing the eggplants, salt them and let them sit for 10-20 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry before baking to reduce bitterness.
  • Cheese Selection: While Mozzarella offers a beautiful melt, using a mix of cheeses can add depth. Consider blending Mozzarella with a sharper cheese like aged Provolone or a smoky Gouda.

Advanced Flavor Enhancements:

  • Roasting Vegetables: For an extra depth of flavor, consider roasting the potatoes and onions along with the eggplants before layering. Roasting can caramelize the natural sugars in the vegetables, adding a richer taste and texture to the dish.
  • Herb Infusion: While oregano provides a classic Mediterranean flavor, incorporating a mix of Italian herbs such as basil, thyme, and marjoram can bring additional aromatic notes. Layer these herbs between the vegetables or mix them into the olive oil before drizzling.
  • Garlic Boost: For garlic lovers, adding minced or thinly sliced garlic between the layers can infuse the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the mildness of the potatoes and eggplant beautifully.

Cooking Tips:

  • Moisture Management: Eggplants and potatoes release moisture as they cook, which can make your dish soggy if not managed properly. To combat this, ensure your baking dish is deep enough to contain the juices, and consider draining the vegetables after the initial bake if they release a lot of liquid.
  • Cheese Topping: To prevent the cheese from burning or becoming too hard, add half of the cheese halfway through the baking process and the rest in the last 10 minutes of baking. This method helps achieve a perfectly melted and lightly golden top without overcooking the cheese.

Presentation and Serving:

  • Layering Technique: When layering the vegetables, aim for an even distribution to ensure every bite has a good mix of flavors and textures. Consider using a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin slices, which not only cook more evenly but also make for a more appealing presentation.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light protein, such as grilled chicken or fish. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette or a citrusy quinoa salad.
  • Plating Aesthetics: Serve the bake directly in the dish for a rustic feel, or carefully transfer portions to individual plates using a flat spatula. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar for an extra touch of elegance.

Nutritional Profile:

  • Heart Health: Eggplants are rich in fiber and antioxidants, particularly nasunin found in their skin, which has been shown to protect heart health.
  • Low Calorie: This dish is relatively low in calories yet filling, making it an excellent option for those managing their weight. Adjust the amount of oil and cheese used to fit dietary needs without compromising the dish’s integrity.

Storage and Reheating:

  • Refrigeration: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven covered with foil at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the dish from drying out.

This eggplant and potato bake is not only a testament to the versatility of simple ingredients but also to how a few layers and the right seasoning can transform vegetables into a decadent, oven-baked delight. Enjoy the melding of flavors and textures that this dish brings to your table!