Aubergine parmesan

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 40 mins

This perfect classic Italian meatless dinner, will quickly become a family favourite.

Aubergine:

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tbsp water

2 slices bread, for breadcrumbs

50g fresh parmesan cheese, grated

2 x large aubergines sliced into round 2.5 cm discs

Olive oil cooking spray

Filling:

25g fresh basil, roughly chopped

50g fresh parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative), grated

½ tsp sweet paprika

1 ½ tsp garlic, finely chopped

¼ tsp salt

250g ricotta cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Remaining ingredients:

250g homemadetomatosauce

¼ tsp salt

125g, mozzarella sliced thinly

90g white cheddar cheese, grated

Preheat the oven to 190°C / 375°F / Gas mark 5.

Prepare a baking dish by lightly spraying it with olive oil cooking spray and set aside.

Combine the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water in a shallow dish.

Make the breadcrumbs by pulsing the bread in a food processor. In a shallow dish add the breadcrumbs and 50g of grated parmesan cheese. Mix well.

Dip the aubergines into the egg mixture then through the breadcrumbs mixture pressing gently to ensure they are well coated. Shake off any excess and place into the prepared baking tray.

Bake for 30 minutes or until golden, turning once after 15 minutes then remove from the oven and set aside.

To make the filling, combine the basil, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic, salt, ricotta cheese and the egg and mix well.

To assemble, spoon the homemade sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the aubergine slices over the sauce. Sprinkle with a little salt. Pour more sauce over then spread half of the filling over sauce, and top with a third of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process ending with a little more sauce on top.

Drizzle a little olive oil on top.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Remove the foil and top with the remaining mozzarella and white cheddar cheese.

Bake further for 10 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and cheese has melted.

Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves
4

Preparation Time
20 minutes

Cooking Time
40 minutes

Main ingredients
Eggs, Cheese, Vegetables

Recipe Type
Family Dinners, Healthy, Vegetarian, Classics

Cuisine
Italian

Level of Difficulty
Medium