Savory Grilled Aubergine and Mushroom Tower
This elegant Grilled Aubergine and Mushroom Tower is an ideal dish for a sophisticated lunch or hearty snack. The dish features layers of tender aubergine, aromatic fennel, caramelized red onion, and robust flat mushrooms. It's drizzled with olive oil and garnished with garlic, offering a symphony of flavors that delight the palate. When paired with a refreshing green salad, this dish becomes an unforgettable culinary experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Aubergine
1 (trimmed and cut lengthways into 1.5 cm slices)
Fennel bulb
1 (trimmed and sliced)
Red onion
1 (peeled and finely sliced)
Large flat mushrooms
4 (trimmed)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for glazing)
Garlic cloves
4 (peeled and finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2
Using a pastry brush, lightly glaze the aubergine slices, fennel, and onion with olive oil and arrange them on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
3
Evenly scatter the chopped garlic over the arranged vegetables to infuse them with flavor as they bake.
4
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the aubergine becomes soft and lightly golden.
5
While the vegetables are baking, prepare your serving plates.
6
Once cooked, carefully layer the warm aubergine slices onto each plate, followed by a generous topping of fennel, then the caramelized onions, and finally crown with a whole flat mushroom.
7
Garnish with a small drizzle of additional olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with a crisp green salad for a complete tasting experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Grilled Aubergine and Mushroom Tower?
It is an elegant dish featuring layers of tender aubergine, aromatic fennel, caramelized red onion, and robust flat mushrooms.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it consists entirely of vegetables, olive oil, and herbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (390°F).
How long do the vegetables need to bake?
The vegetables should bake for 10-12 minutes until tender.
What are the primary ingredients for the tower?
The main ingredients are large aubergine, fennel bulb, red onion, large flat mushrooms, olive oil, and garlic cloves.
How should the aubergine be cut?
The aubergine should be trimmed and cut lengthways into 1.5 cm slices.
How many mushrooms are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 large flat mushrooms.
How is the garlic prepared?
The garlic should be peeled and finely chopped before being scattered over the vegetables.
What is the recommended side dish for this recipe?
It is best served with a refreshing, crisp green salad.
In what order should the tower be assembled?
Layer the aubergine first, followed by fennel, then red onion, and top it with a flat mushroom.
What type of oil is used for glazing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil for glazing the vegetables.
How do I prepare the fennel bulb?
The fennel bulb should be trimmed and sliced before baking.
What is the best way to apply the olive oil?
Use a pastry brush to lightly glaze the vegetable slices with olive oil.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be peeled and finely sliced.
What texture should the aubergine have when cooked?
The aubergine should be soft and lightly golden.
Is this dish considered a snack or a main meal?
It is ideal for a sophisticated lunch or a hearty snack.
Can I add any garnishes to the dish?
Yes, you can garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves.
Is the aubergine grilled or baked?
While the title mentions grilled, the instructions specify baking them in the oven.
What size should the mushroom be?
The recipe specifies using large flat mushrooms to crown the tower.
Do I need to arrange vegetables in a specific way on the baking sheet?
Yes, arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
How should the tower be served?
It should be served immediately while warm.
Is this recipe categorized as healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe.
How thick should the aubergine slices be?
They should be cut into 1.5 cm slices.
What is the prep for the garlic?
It should be scattered evenly over the vegetables on the baking sheet.
Can I use white onion instead of red?
The recipe calls for red onion for its color and flavor, but white onion could be a substitute.
Is a special tool needed for glazing?
A pastry brush is recommended for glazing the vegetables.
What defines the elegance of this dish?
The layering technique and the combination of aromatic fennel and caramelized onions provide its sophistication.
Should the plates be prepared in advance?
Yes, the instructions suggest preparing your serving plates while the vegetables are baking.