Baked Aubergines is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can create amazing flavors. I first tried this dish during a cooking class and fell in love with how the aubergine becomes creamy and tender while the topping turns golden and crispy. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
About the Recipe
This recipe takes the natural richness of aubergines and enhances it with herbs, fresh vegetables, and a golden cheese topping. The combination of textures – from the soft aubergine to the crunchy breadcrumb mixture and gooey cheese – creates a satisfying dish that even vegetable skeptics will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something special. The layers of flavor build naturally – from the grilled aubergine to the aromatic onion-tomato mixture and the cheesy topping. It’s also really flexible – you can use different cheese types or add extra herbs. Best of all, it looks impressive but is actually quite easy to make.
Baked Aubergines
Cooking Tips
– Salt the aubergine slices and let them sit for 15 minutes before cooking to remove any bitterness
– Don’t skip the initial grilling step – it ensures the aubergine cooks properly
– Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible for the best texture
– Watch the cheese carefully during final baking to avoid burning
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serves 4 as a side dish or 2 as a main course. Total prep and cooking time is about 45 minutes. Serve hot from the oven. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven until hot.
Similar Recipes
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Grilled Zucchini Parmesan
- Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
Nutrient Benefits
Aubergines are low in calories but high in fiber and antioxidants. They’re packed with vitamins B1 and B6, and minerals like copper and manganese. The cheese adds protein and calcium, while the vegetables provide extra vitamins and minerals.
Baked Aubergines
Ingredients
- 250 gms Aubergine (Brinjal, large)
- 3 tbsp Oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 Onion (large)
- 1 flake Garlic (large)
- 2 Tomatoes (medium)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
- 2 Bread Slices
- Dry Thyme (a pinch)
- 1/2 cup Cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Cut the aubergine into 1 inch thick slices.
- Place the slices on a shallow greased baking dish and brush lightly with oil.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
- Place under a preheated hot grill for 5 minutes.
- Turn the slices over, brush with oil, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper and grill for 5 minutes longer.
- Chop the onion, garlic, tomatoes and parsley.
- Heat the remaining oil in a heavy-based pan over moderate heat.
- Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes until it turns soft.
- Stir in the tomatoes and saute for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Crumble the bread slices.
- Add the breadcrumbs to the pan with parsley, thyme, 1/2 tsp slat and 1/2 tsp pepper.
- Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Set the oven to 180C.
- Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over the aubergine slices, top with cheese and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can grill the aubergine and prepare the topping mixture up to a day ahead. Keep them separate in the fridge, then assemble and bake just before serving.
What type of cheese works best?
Any melting cheese works well. Try mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyere. For a Mediterranean twist, use crumbled feta or halloumi.
My aubergine usually turns out bitter. How can I prevent this?
Salting the aubergine slices before cooking helps remove bitterness. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, wait 15 minutes, then pat dry before using.
