Savory Baked Baby Eggplant Medley
Delight in this exquisite Savory Baked Baby Eggplant Medley, a dish where tender baby eggplants shine in a harmonious blend of garden-fresh tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a light meal or a side dish that elevates any main course, this recipe captures the delicate flavors of freshly chopped basil, oregano, sage, and thyme, combined with the comforting crunch of Italian breadcrumbs and a rich sprinkle of parmesan cheese. With its layers of vegetables and herbs baked to perfection, this dish has won hearts around the dinner table. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, it's a culinary experience that promises to impress and satisfy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
4 (peeled and sliced lengthwise)
large tomato
1 (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
basil
1 stalk (chopped, stalk discarded)
oregano
1 stalk (chopped, stalk discarded)
sage
1 stalk (chopped, stalk discarded)
thyme
3 stalks (leaves only, discarded stalks)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided for layering and drizzling)
salt & pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for topping)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (shredded, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Begin by peeling the skin off the baby eggplants, then slice them lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips.
3
Next, slice the large tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
4
Chop all fresh herbs, discarding the stalks, and finely chop the garlic cloves.
5
Lightly drizzle the bottom of a casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
6
Create the first layer by arranging a layer of eggplant slices, followed by a layer of sliced tomatoes.
7
Sprinkle half of the chopped herbs and half of the minced garlic over this layer, along with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
8
Top this layer with half of the Italian breadcrumbs.
9
For the second layer, repeat the process: another layer of eggplant, tomatoes, the remaining herbs, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and the remaining breadcrumbs.
10
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
11
Remove the cover and generously sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top.
12
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
13
For added variation, consider incorporating small amounts of Italian cheese, goat cheese, or Monterey cheese between the layers.
14
Serve warm and enjoy this delightful medley!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Baked Baby Eggplant Medley?
It is an exquisite dish featuring tender baby eggplants baked with garden-fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, Italian breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese.
How many baby eggplants are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 baby eggplants.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
Should I peel the baby eggplants?
Yes, the instructions specify to peel the skin off the baby eggplants before slicing them.
How should the baby eggplants be sliced?
The eggplants should be sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips.
What type of tomato is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 large tomato sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Which fresh herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes fresh basil, oregano, sage, and thyme.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
How do I prevent the eggplant from sticking to the casserole dish?
Lightly drizzle the bottom of the casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
How many layers are created in the casserole dish?
The recipe is built using two main layers of eggplant, tomato, herbs, garlic, and breadcrumbs.
What are the components of the first layer?
The first layer consists of eggplant slices, tomato slices, half of the herbs and garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the breadcrumbs.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of Italian breadcrumbs.
How long should the dish bake while covered?
The casserole should be baked covered for 45 minutes.
When is the parmesan cheese added?
The parmesan cheese is added after the initial 45 minutes of covered baking.
How long do I bake the dish after adding the cheese?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can incorporate small amounts of Italian cheese, goat cheese, or Monterey cheese between the layers for added variation.
What should I do with the herb stalks?
The stalks of the basil, oregano, sage, and thyme should be discarded, using only the leaves.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the medley warm.
How much total olive oil is used?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided for the dish base and layering.
What is the texture of the baby eggplants in this dish?
The eggplants become tender when baked as part of this medley.
Is this recipe considered a main course or a side dish?
It can be enjoyed as a light meal or as a side dish that elevates a main course.
What seasoning is used for the layers?
Salt and pepper are used to season the vegetable and herb layers to taste.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
Does this recipe include any tags for categorization?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetable dish, eggplant recipe, baked vegetables, Italian-inspired, and an easy side dish.
What is the preparation for the thyme?
Use the leaves from 3 stalks of thyme and discard the stalks.
Can I use aluminum foil to cover the dish?
Yes, you can use either a lid or aluminum foil to cover the casserole dish during the main baking phase.
How many garlic cloves should be minced?
Three garlic cloves should be finely chopped or minced.
Is the recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized under 'easy recipes' and involves straightforward layering and baking.
What should the cheese look like when done?
The parmesan cheese should be melted and have a slightly golden color.
How much breadcrumbs are needed for the whole dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of Italian breadcrumbs total, divided between the layers.