This Stuffed Aubergines with Mashed Potatoes and Mozzarella is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines roasted aubergines, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for vegetarians or those looking for a lighter dinner, the dish is rich in textures and flavors that will appeal to anyone who loves hearty, cheesy comfort food. The addition of ham gives the dish a savory twist, but it can easily be omitted for a vegetarian version.
The roasted aubergines create a soft, smoky base, while the mashed potatoes provide a creamy and filling stuffing. The mozzarella topping melts into a golden, bubbly layer, making each bite irresistible. Whether served as a main or as a side, this dish is perfect for a family meal or dinner party.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times:
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Yield: Serves 4
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Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
Full List of Ingredients:
For the Aubergines:
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3 aubergines, thinly sliced
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Vegetable oil, for drizzling
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Salt, to taste
For the Stuffing:
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600 g (about 1.3 lbs) potatoes, boiled and mashed
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Salt, to taste
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Spring onion, chopped
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Black pepper, to taste
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250 g (about 9 oz) mozzarella, shredded
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8 slices cooked ham (or toast ham), chopped
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50 g (about 2 oz) mozzarella, for topping
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:
Prepare the Aubergines:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lay the thinly sliced aubergines on a baking tray, drizzle them with vegetable oil, and sprinkle with salt to taste. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the aubergines are tender and slightly golden. The roasted aubergines will serve as a soft and smoky base for the stuffing.
Prepare the Stuffing:
While the aubergines are roasting, boil the potatoes until they are soft. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain and mash them with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Add the chopped spring onion to the mashed potatoes and mix well. This will give the potatoes extra flavor and freshness.
Add the Mozzarella and Ham:
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and chopped cooked ham into the mashed potatoes. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined. The mozzarella will melt into the potatoes, making the stuffing creamy and cheesy.
Assemble the Dish:
Once the aubergines are roasted, take them out of the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the mashed potato stuffing onto each aubergine slice and arrange the stuffed slices back on the baking tray. Press down slightly to secure the filling, ensuring that each slice is well stuffed.
Top with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle the remaining 50 g of mozzarella over the top of the stuffed aubergines. This will melt into a gooey, golden layer during the second round of baking.
Bake:
Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. The aubergines should be soft, and the filling should be piping hot.
Serve:
Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve the aubergine and potato bake as a main course or as a side dish with your favorite meal. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra mozzarella for added flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
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Calories: 330
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Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Fiber: 7g
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Protein: 12g
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Sodium: 600mg
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Sugars: 6g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe:
The origins of stuffed aubergines (or eggplant) can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where the vegetable is widely grown and used in a variety of savory dishes. Aubergines are a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, and their versatility allows them to be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, from rice and vegetables to meat and cheese.
This particular recipe is a fusion of classic Mediterranean flavors with the addition of potatoes and cheese, creating a hearty, comforting dish that is both filling and flavorful. The concept of stuffing vegetables like aubergines with mashed potatoes and cheese has become increasingly popular in vegetarian and comfort food recipes, offering a satisfying alternative to meat-heavy dishes.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Comforting and Hearty: The combination of roasted aubergines, mashed potatoes, and melted cheese creates a dish that is rich, satisfying, and perfect for any meal.
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Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and doesn’t require much preparation. It can be made with basic ingredients that are easy to find.
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Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to fit your preferences by adding different spices, herbs, or even switching the cheese for a dairy-free option.
Health Benefits:
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Rich in Fiber: Aubergines and potatoes are both high in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.
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Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Aubergines are a good source of vitamins B6 and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.
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Protein Boost: The addition of mozzarella and ham adds protein to the dish, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve this dish as a main course with a side of mixed greens or a crusty baguette for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
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Pair with a light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the dish.
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This casserole can also be served as a side dish to grilled meats or other Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Cooking Tips:
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Don’t skip the roasting step for the aubergines, as this brings out their natural flavor and softens them perfectly for stuffing.
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Use your favorite cheese: While mozzarella is a great choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as feta, goat cheese, or cheddar for different flavors.
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Make ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Variations to Try:
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Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and use chickpeas, lentils, or more vegetables in the stuffing for a fully plant-based dish.
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Spicy Version: Add some chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
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Greek-inspired: Use feta cheese and black olives in the stuffing for a Mediterranean twist.
Conclusion:
This Stuffed Aubergines with Mashed Potatoes and Mozzarella is a versatile and comforting dish that combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s a great addition to your meal rotation, offering a satisfying, filling dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely impress with its deliciously melted cheese and savory filling.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section:
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Can I use eggplant instead of aubergines?
Yes, eggplant is the same as aubergine and can be used in this recipe. -
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can leave out the ham and use a plant-based filling instead, such as lentils or mushrooms. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish the day before and bake it when you’re ready to serve. -
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
You can use feta cheese, cheddar, or goat cheese depending on your preference. -
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. -
How long should I bake the casserole?
Bake for 20-25 minutes at 180°C (356°F) or until the cheese is melted and golden. -
What can I serve this dish with?
Serve with a green salad, rice, or garlic bread. -
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the red bell pepper and tomatoes for other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. -
How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper to the stuffing for some extra heat. -
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until hot, or microwave for individual servings.