Eggplant (Aubergine) Tomato and Cheese Bake 🍆🍅🧀
Prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary journey with this Eggplant (Aubergine) Tomato and Cheese Bake recipe, brought to you by lovewithrecipes.com. Perfect for those bustling weeknights when you crave a hearty yet straightforward dish straight from the oven, this recipe combines the rich flavors of eggplant, ripe tomatoes, and gooey cheese, resulting in a symphony of tastes and textures that will surely impress your taste buds.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven preheats, begin by preparing the eggplant. Peel the eggplant and slice it into rounds of about 1/4 inch thickness.
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Coating the Eggplant: Set up three shallow dishes. Place the flour in one, beaten egg in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with minced garlic in the third. Dip each eggplant slice first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
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Pan-fry the Eggplant: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it’s about 1/4 inch deep. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated eggplant slices in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the eggplant slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with salt and pepper while still hot.
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Layering in the Baking Dish: In a baking dish, begin layering the cooked eggplant slices and tomato slices alternately. Season each layer with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, followed by a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue layering until all the eggplant and tomato slices are used, ending with a final layer of Mozzarella cheese slices on top.
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Baking: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven, uncovered. Let it bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired, and serve this Eggplant Tomato and Cheese Bake warm, alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also provides a wholesome and comforting experience with every bite. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a hearty main course or simply a food enthusiast eager to explore new culinary horizons, this Eggplant Tomato and Cheese Bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and goodness it brings to your table, and savor the simple pleasures of homemade cooking at its finest.
