Discover a dish that transforms the humble aubergine into a centerpiece so tasty, your guests will be clamoring for the recipe. This Aubergine Delight, with its rich combination of flavors and textures, proves that aubergines can indeed be tastier than meat. Perfect for any gathering, this recipe is a showcase of how simple ingredients can create a masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants, sliced into rounds or long slices
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt, to taste
- Dried oregano, for seasoning
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Chili, finely chopped, to taste
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 50g black olives, sliced
- 1 tbsp desalted capers
- 70g cheese (your choice, but something that melts well, like mozzarella or cheddar), grated
- 3 slices of stale bread, crumbled into breadcrumbs
Preparation:
- Prep the Eggplants:
- Begin by slicing the eggplants. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process helps to draw out the bitterness.
- Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels, brush them lightly with olive oil, and season with dried oregano.
- Cook the Eggplants:
- Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium heat. Grill the eggplant slices until they are tender and have nice grill marks, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In another skillet, heat a little vegetable oil and sauté the bell peppers and chili until soft.
- Add the black olives and capers to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a baking dish, lay out half of the cooked eggplant slices.
- Spoon the bell pepper mixture over the eggplant.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the top, then cover with the remaining eggplant slices.
- Top with the remaining cheese and the crumbled stale bread for a crispy topping.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve:
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Conclusion:
This Aubergine Delight is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that will surprise and satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers. With its layers of soft, seasoned eggplant, savory vegetable mix, gooey cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a dish that stands as a testament to the versatility of vegetables. Perfect for dinners, gatherings, or as a special treat, it’s a recipe that’s bound to make its way into your regular cooking repertoire. Enjoy the process, the flavors, and the inevitable praise from your guests!