Made By Emily
Main Dishes

Baked Eggplant with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Italian recipe featuring two eggplants for a delicious autumn dinner

Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Course: Main dish (vegetarian)
  • Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants (about 1.75 lb / 800 g)
  • 15 g (1 tablespoon) coarse salt
  • 300 g (10.5 oz) ripe tomatoes
  • 250 g (9 oz) mozzarella cheese
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 10 g (about 2 tablespoons) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Slice the eggplants into about 1 cm (½ inch) thick rounds.
  2. Arrange the slices in a colander and sprinkle evenly with the coarse salt. Let them rest for 15 minutes so they release bitter water.
  3. Pat the eggplants dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt.
  4. Dice or slice the ripe tomatoes according to your preference.
  5. Slice or cube the mozzarella cheese for even distribution.
  6. Finely chop the garlic cloves and fresh parsley.
  7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  8. In a baking dish, lay out the eggplant slices in a single layer.
  9. Distribute the tomatoes and mozzarella evenly on top of the eggplants.
  10. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and the chopped garlic.
  11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, and bake for 40 minutes.
  12. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
  13. Take the dish out of the oven, sprinkle the fresh parsley over it, and serve warm.

Recipe Notes

  • Patting the eggplants dry is essential to avoid sogginess.
  • Covering with foil ensures even cooking; removing it at the end creates a nice golden top.
  • Use fresh herbs for garnish rather than cooking with them to keep bright flavors intact.
  • If you like a little extra crisp, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully.

Nutrition Estimate

Per serving (serves about 4):

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fat: 15 g

Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.