ADVERTISEMENT
This Baked Eggplant dish is a delightful medley of tender eggplant slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy capers, and melted cheese. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, oregano, and crispy breadcrumbs, it’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect as a side dish or light main course.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Eggplant: 1 large, sliced into rounds
Cherry tomatoes: 20, halved
Capers: 1 tbsp
Cheese: To taste (mozzarella, Parmesan, or your favorite cheese)
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Oregano: 1 tsp
Breadcrumbs: 2 tbsp
Salt: To taste
Pepper: To taste
Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Directions
Prepare the Eggplant:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Lay the eggplant slices on a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle with a little salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel.
Assemble the Dish:
4. Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the eggplant slices.
6. Top each slice with halved cherry tomatoes and a few capers.
7. Sprinkle the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper over the top.
8. Add breadcrumbs evenly over the dish for a crispy texture.
Bake:
9. Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the tray from the oven, sprinkle cheese over the eggplant slices, and return to the oven.
11. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
12. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with olive oil if desired and garnish with fresh oregano or basil.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a light meal.
Serve as a side to grilled chicken or fish.
Cooking Tips
For a smoky flavor, grill the eggplant slices instead of baking them.
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Substitute capers with olives for a different tangy twist.
Nutritional Benefits
Eggplant: Low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants.
Tomatoes: Packed with vitamins C and K, and the antioxidant lycopene.
Olive Oil: A source of healthy fats.
Dietary Information
Vegetarian-friendly.
Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Read more on next page
ADVERTISEMENT