Delicious Homemade Eggplant Gratin
Eggplant Gratin – A Delightful Eggplant Dish
Create a wonderful meal or a special snack using seasonal eggplants with this delightful eggplant gratin recipe. The layered flavors and gooey, stretchy cheese will tantalize your taste buds. It’s easily prepared in the oven or microwave.
Main Ingredients
- 2 eggplants
- 7 Tbsp pizza sauce (or spaghetti sauce)
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pizza cheese (mozzarella or mixed cheese)
- 5-7 cherry tomatoes
- 3 cubes of Gouda cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the eggplants thoroughly. Slice them in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into thick, long pieces. Lightly sprinkle salt on the cut eggplant slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. This step helps reduce any bitterness and improves the texture.
Step 2
Wash the cherry tomatoes, remove their stems, and slice them to a size similar to the eggplant pieces.
Step 3
Lightly oil a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the salted and drained eggplant slices into the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides. Sautéing them until they become tender and develop a nice caramelization will enhance their flavor.
Step 4
Now, prepare your oven-safe or microwave-safe dish for the gratin. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of pizza sauce (or spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce) evenly over the bottom of the dish. This sauce layer acts as a flavorful base that binds the ingredients together.
Step 5
Arrange the sautéed eggplant slices in a single layer over the sauce, making sure they don’t overlap too much. Overlapping can lead to uneven cooking, so aim for a relatively flat layer.
Step 6
Tear one slice of cheddar cheese into pieces and scatter them evenly over the eggplant layer. The slightly sharp, salty flavor of cheddar cheese complements the mild eggplant beautifully.
Step 7
Next, arrange the sliced cherry tomatoes attractively on top of the cheese. Spread another 2-3 tablespoons of pizza sauce over the tomatoes. Repeat the process: add another layer of sautéed eggplant, torn cheddar cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of pizza sauce. Building 2-3 layers will result in a generous and delicious gratin.
Step 8
To summarize the layering order: Pizza Sauce → Sautéed Eggplant → Cheddar Cheese → Cherry Tomatoes → Pizza Sauce → Sautéed Eggplant → Cheddar Cheese → Cherry Tomatoes → Pizza Sauce. Continue layering in this manner. Using a good amount of sauce and cheese ensures a moist and flavorful outcome.
Step 9
For the final topping, generously sprinkle 1 cup of pizza cheese over the entire surface of the gratin. If using, scatter the cubed Gouda cheese on top as well for an extra layer of rich flavor. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 10
Once the cheese is beautifully melted and golden, your ‘Eggplant Gratin’ is ready! Serve immediately while warm to best enjoy the tender texture of the eggplant and the delicious creaminess of the melted cheese. Enjoy your delightful eggplant gratin!
