Introduction
This recipe, taught by a Turkish cook, transforms eggplants into a delicious and savory dish with the perfect blend of flavors. The layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese nestled between crispy filo pastry sheets make for a delightful meal. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a dish that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 12 sheets filo pastry
- 2 eggplants
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 tomatoes
- Parmesan or other cheese, to taste
- Olive oil, to taste
- Milk, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Parsley, to taste
Number of Servings
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings) is as follows:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 7g
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Eggplants
- Slice the Eggplants
- Slice the eggplants horizontally into 1 cm thick slices. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to purge any bitterness. Afterward, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Thinly slice the onion and finely chop the garlic. In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
Step 3: Creating the Tomato Sauce
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Slice the tomatoes and add them to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika. Let the ingredients simmer together until the tomatoes break down and release their juices. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.
Step 4: Building the Layers
- Layer the Filo Pastry and Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a baking tray with olive oil. Layer the filo pastry sheets on the tray, brushing each layer with a mixture of olive oil and milk for added crispiness.
- Alternate layers of eggplant slices and tomato sauce, sprinkling grated cheese between each layer.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
- Bake the Dish
- Once all the layers are assembled, brush the top layer of filo pastry with oil and milk, then seal the edges to lock in the flavors.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serving
- Serve the Dish
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
This Turkish-inspired Eggplant Filo Pastry Bake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese encased in crispy filo pastry create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy this savory recipe with your family and friends for a memorable meal.
Enjoy your delicious Turkish eggplant bake and the wonderful flavors it brings to your table!
