Mediterranean Eggplant Bake
Indulge in this Mediterranean Eggplant Bake, a flavorful fusion of layers featuring tender roasted eggplant, zesty tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. This dish not only warms the heart but also delights the palate, making it a perfect option for family gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. While the eggplant bakes to perfection, the sauce simmers with vibrant spices and olives, infusing the dish with a wonderful aroma. Each serving can be garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by soft flour tortillas, creating a complete meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.
6
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
2 large (sliced about 1/4 inch)
green onion
1 bunch (sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)
cheddar cheese
to taste (shredded)
sliced olives
1 can (drained)
tomato sauce
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can and 1 (8 1/2 ounce) can (combined)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (ground)
Mexican oregano
2 tablespoons (dried)
green chili
to taste (chopped)
olive oil
as needed (for brushing)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a saucepan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat and stir in the sliced olives, chopped green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and Mexican oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
3
Brush both sides of the eggplant slices generously with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
4
In a casserole dish, create a layer of baked eggplant on the bottom. Top with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese and a ladle of the prepared tomato sauce. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
5
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled casserole for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
6
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
7
Pair with hot flour tortillas and a fresh salad of your choice for a delicious, complete meal.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
27g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Eggplant Bake?
It is a flavorful fusion dish featuring layers of roasted eggplant, zesty spiced tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
What are the main ingredients for this bake?
The main ingredients include eggplants, green onion, cheddar cheese, sliced olives, and a seasoned tomato sauce.
How should I prepare the eggplant?
Slice the eggplants into pieces about 1/4 inch thick, brush with olive oil, and roast them before layering.
What is the initial oven temperature for roasting eggplant?
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) for the initial roasting step.
How long do I roast the eggplant slices?
Bake the eggplant slices for approximately 20 minutes or until they are tender and lightly browned.
What goes into the zesty tomato sauce?
The sauce is a combination of tomato sauce, sliced olives, chopped green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and Mexican oregano.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese.
Is this Mediterranean Eggplant Bake vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian vegetable bake.
How do I assemble the casserole?
Layer the baked eggplant on the bottom of a casserole dish, followed by cheese and sauce, repeating until all ingredients are used.
What is the final baking temperature for the casserole?
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the final bake.
How long does the assembled casserole need to bake?
Bake the assembled casserole for 30 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
It is ready when the cheese is bubbling and has turned a golden color.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dish?
Garnish the bake with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
What should I serve alongside the eggplant bake?
It pairs well with hot flour tortillas and a fresh salad.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 25g of fat.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
There are 13g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of olives should I use?
Use one can of sliced olives that have been drained.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What amount of chili powder should I add?
Add 1 tablespoon of ground chili powder to the sauce.
What type of oregano is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of dried Mexican oregano.
How are the green onions prepared?
Use one bunch of green onions sliced into 1/2 inch pieces.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can add chopped green chili to taste to adjust the heat levels.
How much tomato sauce is needed in total?
You will need one 10 3/4 ounce can and one 8 1/2 ounce can of tomato sauce combined.
Is this recipe considered a healthy dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner and a nutritious meal option.
What makes this a comfort food?
The combination of tender roasted vegetables, warm spices, and melted cheese makes it a satisfying comfort food.
Should the bake cool before serving?
Yes, let the dish cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving it warm.