Aubergine, tomato & Parmesan bake (Melanzane alla Parmigiana)
Every Italian cook has their own version of this classic aubergine dish. It’s even better made a day ahead
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Prep:10 mins
Cook:50 mins
- Serves 6
- Easy
Nutrition per serving
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kcal 225
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fat 17g
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saturates 5g
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carbs 8g
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sugars 7g
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fibre 5g
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protein 10g
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salt 0.52g
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 4 aubergines, cut into long, 5mm thick slices
- 85g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), freshly grated
- 20g pack basil, leaves torn
- 1 egg, beaten
Tip
TipWhen griddling or frying aubergine slices, you’ll find that they will absorb any amount of oil instantly. Don’t be tempted to add more! As they cook, aubergines release their juices along with some of the absorbed oil.
Method
Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. In a shallow pan, mix together the garlic and 4 tbsp of the olive oil. Cook over a high heat for 3 mins, tip in the tomatoes, then simmer for 8 mins, stirring every now and then. Stir in the tomato purée.
Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan until very hot. Brush a few of the aubergines with a little oil, then add to the pan. Cook over a high heat until well browned and cooked through, about 5-7 mins. Turn them halfway through cooking. Lift onto kitchen paper and do the next batch.
When all the aubergines are cooked, lay a few of them in the bottom of an ovenproof dish, then spoon over some sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan and basil leaves. Add seasoning, then repeat this process with the remaining ingredients. Finally, pour the egg over the top, sprinkle over a little more Parmesan, then bake for 20 mins or until the topping is golden.
