Melonzani Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Delight π
Overview:
Melonzani is a delightful dish originating from a local cookbook, cherished for its diverse flavors and ease of preparation. This cheesy eggplant creation promises a symphony of taste in every bite, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy, low-cholesterol recipes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend meal, Melonzani fits the bill, requiring just under 4 hours from start to finish, with minimal prep time. Let’s dive into crafting this culinary masterpiece!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 235.3
- Fat Content: 13.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 492.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 24.7g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Sugar: 5.1g
- Protein: 5.8g
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Eggplant | 1 |
| Onion | 3/4 – 1 |
| Green bell peppers | 4 |
| Ripe olives | 1 |
| Cheese | 1 |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Tomato soup | 1 can |
| Cracker crumbs | As needed |
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Begin by slicing the peeled eggplant into 1/4″ thick round slices.
- Sprinkle the slices with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning on both sides.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the eggplant slices until they are lightly browned on both sides. Set aside.
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-
Layering:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Take a 2-quart buttered shallow baking dish and start by creating a layer of fried eggplant slices at the bottom.
- Next, add a layer of chopped onions, green bell peppers, ripe olives, and grated cheese over the eggplant. Season each layer lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used up, ensuring even distribution of flavors in each layer.
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Topping:
- Once you’ve completed the layers, spread the undiluted tomato soup evenly over the top layer of the dish.
- Sprinkle cracker crumbs generously over the soup layer, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.
- Dot the top with butter to add richness and flavor to the final product.
-
Baking:
- Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the flavors meld together perfectly.
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Serving:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the Melonzani from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Serve this cheesy eggplant delight hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the medley of flavors with your loved ones.
Conclusion:
Melonzani is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and flavor harmony. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of culinary finesse, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you’re a fan of eggplant or simply looking to add more veggies to your diet, Melonzani is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and savor the cheesy goodness of Melonzani tonight! π½οΈ
