Eggplant gratin with feta cheese is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the rich flavor of roasted eggplant with the tangy taste of crumbled feta. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening at home, whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a small gathering. The layers of tender eggplant, savory tomato sauce, and creamy feta cheese all come together to create a satisfying and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into this easy yet impressive recipe: Eggplant Gratin With Feta Cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Start by slicing the eggplant into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Place the eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
4. Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and olive oil.
6. Arrange a layer of eggplant slices on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
7. Drizzle half of the garlic and olive oil mixture over the eggplant slices.
8. Spread a layer of tomato sauce on top of the eggplant slices, then sprinkle some of the crumbled feta cheese over the sauce.
9. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant slices, garlic and oil mixture, tomato sauce, and feta cheese.
10. Finish with a final layer of eggplant slices on top.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
13. Once cooked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
14. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
This eggplant gratin with feta cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish alongside grilled proteins or a fresh salad. The roasted eggplant becomes tender and flavorful, complemented by the creamy feta cheese and zesty tomato sauce. The addition of garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish, while the fresh basil leaves lend a touch of freshness.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and sure to yield impressive results. The combination of textures and flavors in this eggplant gratin will make it a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So go ahead and give this healthy and delicious dish a try – it’s bound to become a staple on your dining table!
