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!