Do you like aubergine (eggplant)? I do, and like it a lot! Unfortunately for me my kids and especially the husband don't. In hubbie's case it has got something to do with "horrific" moussaka he was fed at school as a kid. Bless him. 😉 The thing is , he will now not have it in any shape or form. Kids are not too keen either. Oh well.
From time to time I manage to sneak this gorgeous veg into stews or rich tomato based sauces but what I really want is to eat it in its full glory, knowing that I'm in fact, eating said aubergine. That's how my super simple and utterly delicious Aubergine, Tomato & Mozzarella Bake was born. It became my lunch or occasional lone dinner favourite (together with mushrooms on toast) - another veggie hubby won't touch with a bargepole (man's got issues) 😉
Reading the recipe you will notice that there really isn't much to this dish and salt and pepper are the only seasoning here. The reason being, I really wanted for the flavour of the veggies to shine through. Add lots of fresh basil on top and generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and you're sorted. Big slice of buttered crusty bread doesn't go amiss when you're really hungry either. 🙂
If, it happens, you are not a fan of basil, sprinkle of dried or fresh oregano will work really nicely here. My Perfect Greek Tzatziki could be a lovely addition on the side if you're after more defined flavours.
📋 Recipe
Aubergine, Tomato & Mozzarella Bake
Ingredients
- 1 aubergine eggplant
- 2 medium sized tomatoes
- 1 mozzarella ball 125g drained weight
- 7 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- salt pepper
- fresh basil extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Slice your aubergine into medium thick slices, season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides and set aside.
- Prepare two plates or shallow pasta bowls. Add eggs to one bowl and whisk them lightly and breadcrumbs to another bowl.
- Dip your aubergine slices (one at a time) in egg followed by breadcrumbs.
- Heat tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan and fry aubergine slices on both sides until breadcrumbs are golden in colour (you might have to add a bit more oil). Drain on a plate covered with paper towel.
- Cut your tomatoes in half and slice each half. Drain and cut your mozzarella in half and slice each half.
- Prepare ovenproof baking dish and layer your fried aubergine slices, tomatoes and mozzarella as pictured below.
- Place under the preheated grill to melt the cheese slightly (you could also do it in the oven preheated to 180°C for about 10min).
- Sprinkle with as much fresh basil as you want and drizzle with some olive oil.
- Enjoy!
All that veg and I must admit, it isn’t the healthiest of dishes due to fried aubergine slices and some mozzarella but little goes a long way here and boy is it worth it! This bake is best eaten warm with bits of mozzarella still oozing beautifully but don’t fret if (like me) you are the only one eating it. It reheats just fine either in the oven or if you’re impatient even quick blast in microwave will do.
If you are after some more easy veggie deliciousness why not try my Asparagus & Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto or Veggie Lentils and Spinach Lasagne
Pin For Later!
I’m linking my Aubergine, Tomato & Mozzarella Bake with the following pages:
Cook Blog Share hosted this week by Eb from Easy Peasy Foodie and Jacqui from Recipes Made Easy
Cook Once Eat Twice hosted by Corina at Searching for Spice
Simple and in Season hosted by Katie at Feeding Boys
Jacqueline Meldrum says
That looks delicious Jo. I've featured it in this week's Meat Free Mondays and shared it too.
joskitchenlarder says
Thank you! 🙂 I will be over soon to take a look at all the delicious recipes and do some sharing too! x
Kat (The Baking Explorer) says
This looks delicious, I would love this for lunch or dinner!
joskitchenlarder says
Thanks Kat! It was my favourite lunch this Summer!
Jhuls says
This looks really delicious. I love that it is very easy to prepare, too. Thanks for sharing!
PS: I hope you'll also stop by at Fiesta Friday party! We'd love to have you there. 🙂 https://fiestafriday.net/
joskitchenlarder says
Thank you Jhuls, I'm glad you like it 🙂 It's been one of my favourite lunches this Summer. Thank you for the invite to Fiesta Friday! I will be popping over for sure. 🙂 x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins says
I love tomatoes, mozzarella and basil together and I am always looking for new ways to add aubergine to our meals so this would be perfect! x #CookBlogShare
joskitchenlarder says
Thanks Kirsty! It's such a gorgeous combination of flavours isn't it? Enjoy! x
Jacqui says
all I can say is Yes please! I just love this combo
joskitchenlarder says
Thanks Jacqui! 🙂 It is so good especially now when both aubergine and tomatoes are in season and taste the best!
Jenny Paulin says
oh my how good does this dish look? so delicious is what! I have to admit I am not a huge fan of aubergine BUT I think I could happily eat it served this way x
joskitchenlarder says
Thanks Jenny! 🙂 Breaded and pan fried aubergine is so tasty and moreish and I'm so glad you like the look of the dish. x
Corina Blum says
This looks gorgeous! I have a similar problem with aubergine as my husband is not especially keen but I can get him to eat it occasionally. My daughter refuses to eat it along with all other vegetables but Master Spice loves it! Thanks so much for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice x
joskitchenlarder says
Thanks Corina! 🙂 You understand my struggles then lol but at least you have got company and can enjoy it with Master Spice 🙂 I'm trying not to get put off though and in fact another aubergine has made an appearance in my kitchen today! x
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
Oooh yum! So my kind of dish...I love all these flavours and I love how quick and simple it is too. I think this is the sort of thing I would happily eat rather too much of! Sadly my hubby and kids DO like aubergines, so they would probably want some too - gah! 😉 Thanks for linking up to #CookBlogShare. Eb x
joskitchenlarder says
Thanks Eb, I'm glad you like it! 🙂 It is such a lovely little dish for sure. You are so lucky your lot do like aubergine. Whenever one appears in our kitchen my husband looks at me suspiciously wondering whether I am going to disguise it somehow in one of my dinner concoctions. lol 😉 x
Claire says
Yum, I love your combination :D.
joskitchenlarder says
Thank you Claire! 🙂