This Eggplant with Vegetables Under a Cheese Crust is a delightful and healthy vegetable recipe that’s perfect for any meal. Eggplant is roasted to tender perfection and topped with a delicious mix of sautéed vegetables and a golden cheese crust. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for a light dinner or a hearty side.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Eggplant and Vegetables:
- 4 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 200 ml cream
- 130 g flour
- Parsley, chopped
- Dill, chopped
- 1 eggplant
- Dried garlic, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated or finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100 g mozzarella cheese, grated
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant Base
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the Eggplant: Cut the eggplant into slices or rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Season the Eggplant: Season the eggplant with salt, black pepper, dried garlic, and paprika.
- Bake the Eggplant: Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking tray, brush with a little vegetable oil, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add Carrot and Pepper: Add the grated or diced carrot and chopped bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture and Assemble
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 200 ml cream, 130 g flour, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley and dill until smooth.
- Combine with Sautéed Vegetables: Mix the sautéed vegetables into the egg mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the vegetable and egg mixture over the baked eggplant slices in the baking tray.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 100 g of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes, then bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 5: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons yogurt, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Stir well and set aside.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with the yogurt dill sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Main Course: Serve as a main dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal.
- Side Dish: Pair with roasted chicken, fish, or any grilled protein for a complete meal.
- Appetizer: Cut into smaller portions and serve as an appetizer or starter.
Cooking Tips
- Pre-Salt Eggplant: Salting the eggplant helps to draw out moisture and reduce any bitterness.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
- Cheese Varieties: Try different cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in Antioxidants: Eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, promoting overall health.
- Protein-Rich: Eggs and cheese provide a good source of protein, making this dish satisfying and nutritious.
- Low-Carb: This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: A perfect vegetarian main or side dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or chickpea flour.
- Low-Sugar: Contains no added sugars, making it suitable for a low-sugar diet.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximately 6 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 12 g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Simple steps and minimal prep make this recipe great for busy weeknights.
- Versatile and Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables and cheese for a personalized touch.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s a wholesome meal for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The cheesy crust and flavorful vegetables make this a dish that everyone will enjoy.
Conclusion
Eggplant with Vegetables Under a Cheese Crust is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one dish. The combination of roasted eggplant, creamy vegetable filling, and melted cheese is sure to please. Paired with the yogurt dill sauce, it adds a tangy and refreshing contrast that completes the meal beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables instead of eggplant?
Yes, you can substitute eggplant with zucchini, mushrooms, or even thinly sliced potatoes. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and bake when ready to serve, or reheat it as leftovers. - Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, or feta would work well, adding different flavors. - Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. - Can I skip the egg mixture?
If you prefer, you can omit the egg mixture and top the sautéed vegetables directly with cheese. - How can I make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat cream and cheese to reduce calories without compromising flavor. - Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, you can add cooked ground meat or chicken to make it heartier. - How do I know when it’s done baking?
The cheese should be melted and golden, and the egg mixture should be set and not jiggly. - Can I add spices?
Feel free to add herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. - How should I store the yogurt dill sauce?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 3 days.
Enjoy this delightful Eggplant with Vegetables Under a Cheese Crust for a nourishing and tasty meal!