This French-style eggplant recipe is a delightful vegetarian dish that’s rich in flavor and satisfying enough to rival any meat-based meal. The combination of tender eggplant, aromatic spices, and a creamy topping of mayonnaise, eggs, and Parmesan cheese creates a deliciously savory dish. Perfect as a main course or a side, this recipe showcases the versatility and rich flavors of eggplant in a way that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- Olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- 3 eggs
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Slice the eggplant into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. If you prefer, you can also slice the eggplant lengthwise for larger pieces.
- Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil.
- Drizzle the eggplant slices with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika to taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and slightly golden.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- While the eggplant is baking, crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together.
- Add the minced garlic and mayonnaise to the eggs, stirring until well combined. This mixture will create a creamy and flavorful topping for the eggplant.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the eggplant slices are baked, remove them from the oven but keep the oven on.
- Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in a baking dish or keep them on the baking sheet.
- Spoon the egg mixture evenly over each slice of eggplant, spreading it out so that it covers the surface.
- Place a slice of tomato on top of each eggplant slice.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the tomato slices.
- Bake Again:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the eggplant from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the French-style eggplant hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Conclusion:
This French-style eggplant dish is a flavorful and satisfying recipe that brings out the best in this versatile vegetable. The creamy egg and mayonnaise topping, combined with the savory Parmesan and the freshness of tomatoes, creates a dish that’s rich in taste and texture. Perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal, this eggplant recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and satisfying bite. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.