Are you an aubergine lover? Then you are in the right place, have a look at this simple tomato and cheese aubergine dish!! That decadent and crisp cheese topping! Out of this world.
In fact, if I say this is delicious it's an understatement and that's all I can say about this recipe.
When it comes to midweek dinners I like to think of quick options, something that is filling and sometimes meat-free.
We have agreed (kiddos kinda agreed too after a little persuasive work, especially the Master A and Mr J) that we have 3 nights a week vegetarian, 2 meat and 2 nights with fish as part of balanced eating.
I think that if we don't make a pertinent effort we end up eating pretty unbalanced and mostly end up eating too much meat. Yes, we love a piece of meat (oh, yes, I love my meat) but the issue is that we do need a break from it, right?
So, here is an option of a vegetarian dish that could well do on its own and would need no meat, I feel that in this dish the cheese just fulfils that entirely.
Ok, my 10-year-old son is not the biggest aubergine lover but whenever I make aubergines this way I get no moaning and even he is a happy bunny, so, it is a win-win!
Serving Suggestions
This tomato and cheese aubergine can be taken in the next day to work just warm it up and fully enjoy it as it actually does make a perfect lunch too served with some rice and a salad.
If you wish to have this with meat, I'd scrap the cheese. Lamb would be the best meat option for this meat stuffed aubergine but that is entirely my taste which doesn't necessarily coincide with yours.
It is just a suggestion. Feel free to sprinkle some bacon in the tomato sauce for example.
I have to say I like pork with aubergine too and beef works as well. In the end, it all works so give it a go with or without and I promise you will not be disappointed. When this will hit your palate there is only one word that will come out of your mouth and that's a big fat Wow!
This dish serves 4 as a main option but if you decide to have it as a side dish I think it will feed 6 or even 8 people. It also depends if you have another little side or a salad and it depends on how hungry you are and/or how big the aubergines are.
Regarding the tomato sauce, if you don't fancy making your own just use any pasta ready-made but for me, I have to say the homemade one from scratch is the best. Whenever I make my own pasta sauce I make more, two or three portions and I keep it in the fridge. It can last up to a week.
Tomato and cheese topped aubergines
Equipment
- chopping board
- knife
- ovenproof dish
- grater
- pan
Ingredients
- 4 medium aubergines or eggplants
- 200 g cheese (7.05 oz) grated, mixed
- 300 ml tomato juice (10.58 oz) (or chopped, or passata)
- 1 tsp Italian dried herbs (mixed dried) or fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp pepper
- 4 tbsp parsley chopped
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper or more (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and cut the aubergines lengthwise. With a knife groove them on the inside lengthwise (3-4 grooves) and across (6-7 grooves) forming some little squares. Sprinkle some salt and set aside for about 20 minutes.
- To make your own tomato sauce, take a cooking pan, place it on medium heat put the olive oil. When is fairly hot, add the garlic cook for 30 seconds and then add the tomato sauce, the dried Italian herbs a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for 10 min or so on medium-low fire. When finished set aside.
- The aubergines have been resting for a while and they would have collected some juice by now so squeeze all the juice out and place them on a baking tray drizzle a little olive oil all over and place them in the preheated oven at 180°C/350F for 20-25 min.
- Take the aubergines out of the oven and with the help of a spoon, spoon over and in the crevices plenty of tomato sauce. (3-5 spoonfuls depending on the size of your aubergines). * see notes
- Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves and the cheese. Place back in the oven and bake for another 15 min or so until the top is nice and golden.
- When ready, take out of the oven and serve pretty much immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Salt
- Do not add any salt any longer as the flesh of the aubergines already has salt in and so does the tomato sauce. The cheese would also have its own salt.
Bob Swan says
easy to prepare, and really tasty
Ramona says
Thank you so much dear Bob xx
Natalie says
I absolutely love this idea. Eggplants are such a great veggie, I love them. Honestly, now I can't wait to make this. I have all ingredients, maybe I'll make this later for lunch. Thanks!
Tristin says
My family loves eggplant and I'm always trying to figure out different ways to make it. They are gonna love this!!
Addison says
These aubergines were incredibly hearty and flavorful! This is such a great recipe!
Loreto Nardelli says
We love aubergines and this is close to our Parmigiana. Love the idea of having the eggplant and making those pickets for the sauce and cheese to sit in. We have a beautiful aubergine that is intrigued by your recipe! It is on our meal plan for this week. Thank you so much for sharing!😋👍👌
amycaseycooks says
I'm always looking for new eggplant recipes ~ thanks for posting this delicious one. I served it with some grilled herb chicken. Amazing!
Kate says
Many thanks for sharing your aubergine recipe. This is so down my street. I will try it very soon indeed.
Ramona says
Thanks Kate - you are really welcome!
Aleta says
My husband LOVES eggplant, so I'm always trying to find new recipes to make for him. I'm sure he's going to love this!
amy liu dong says
Simple, easy but delicious recipe to make. Seeing this makes my mouthwatering!
veenaazmanov says
Something that I enjoy and I love your preparation as well. . This is so cheesy and yummy too.