Eggplant with cheese is a culinary masterpiece that combines the tender texture of eggplant with the creamy richness of cheese. This versatile dish is perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 150-200g cheese (mozzarella or your preferred variety)
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish
Eggplant with cheese step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by washing and drying the eggplants thoroughly. Slice them into rounds approximately 0.5-1 cm thick. To remove any bitterness, you can lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Heat a frying pan with a little olive oil. Cook the eggplant slices on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. For a lower-calorie option, you can bake the eggplant slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
- While the eggplant is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Slice the tomatoes thinly, grate or thinly slice the cheese, and finely chop or press the garlic.
- Once the eggplant slices are cooked, arrange them on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Top each slice with a tomato slice, sprinkle with garlic, and cover with cheese. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the eggplant with cheese for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or dill to add a burst of freshness and enhance the visual appeal.
Tips and Variations
- Enhance your eggplant with cheese by adding olives, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a more pronounced flavor profile.
- A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before serving can add a delightful tangy contrast to the rich cheese.
- For a lighter version, bake the eggplant without oil and use low-fat cheese.
- Try grilling the eggplant for a smoky flavor, perfect for summer barbecues.
Nutritional Benefits
Eggplant with cheese is not just delicious; it’s also nutritious. Eggplants are low in calories and rich in fiber and antioxidants, supporting heart health and blood sugar regulation. The addition of cheese provides essential protein and calcium. This combination creates a satisfying and wholesome meal that caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian diets.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main course for a light dinner or as a side dish complementing meat or fish. Its Mediterranean-inspired flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both adults and children alike.
Enjoy your delectable eggplant with cheese, a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication on your plate!
Delectable Eggplant with Cheese: A Versatile and Easy Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Frying pan or grill pan
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Grater (for cheese)
- Garlic press (optional)
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 150-200 g cheese mozzarella or your preferred variety
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- Fresh herbs parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by washing and drying the eggplants thoroughly. Slice them into rounds approximately 0.5-1 cm thick. To remove any bitterness, you can lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Heat a frying pan with a little olive oil. Cook the eggplant slices on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. For a lower-calorie option, you can bake the eggplant slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
- While the eggplant is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Slice the tomatoes thinly, grate or thinly slice the cheese, and finely chop or press the garlic.
- Once the eggplant slices are cooked, arrange them on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Top each slice with a tomato slice, sprinkle with garlic, and cover with cheese. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the eggplant with cheese for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or dill to add a burst of freshness and enhance the visual appeal.