Sicilian Sweet & Sour Eggplant Delight
Discover the vibrant flavors of Sicily with this delightful Sweet & Sour Eggplant Dish, an authentic recipe from renowned chefs Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Italian cuisine. This dish marries the earthy taste of perfectly roasted eggplant with a luscious, sweet-sour tomato sauce, enriched with fragrant garlic and an aromatic hint of mint. Ideal as a main or a side, it promises to delight your taste buds with its exceptional balance of sweetness and tang. Perfect for sharing at lunch or dinner, this recipe showcases the versatility and uniqueness of Sicilian eggplant dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
6
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 tablespoons
sugar
2 tablespoons
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
peeled Italian tomatoes, crushed
28 ounces
garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (divided)
salt
to taste
fresh ground white pepper
to taste
crushed red pepper flakes
for garnish (optional)
large eggplants, sliced crosswise 3/4 inch thick
2 ((about 1 1/4 pounds each))
shredded ricotta salata
1/2 cup
chopped mint
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar; stir and heat over high until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
2
Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture turns a light amber color.
3
Remove from heat and carefully add red wine vinegar, stirring until combined.
4
Place the saucepan back on low heat and let the caramel soften, for about 1 minute.
5
Stir in crushed tomatoes and sliced garlic, then add 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and white pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on moderately low heat for approximately 30 minutes until thickened.
6
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7
Brush a large rimmed baking sheet with the remaining olive oil. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on the sheet.
8
Lightly brush eggplant with additional olive oil and season with salt and white pepper.
9
Roast the eggplant in the oven for 10 minutes, then turn the pieces over and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly golden.
10
In a greased 8x11-inch baking dish, arrange the roasted eggplant slices in slightly overlapping rows.
11
Pour two-thirds of the tomato sauce over the eggplant and bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown around the edges.
12
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with ricotta salata and fresh mint. Serve warm or at room temperature, offering the remaining sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
33.3g
Carbs
6.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sicilian Sweet & Sour Eggplant Delight?
It is an authentic Sicilian recipe featuring roasted eggplant and a sweet-sour tomato sauce, inspired by chefs Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli.
Who are the chefs associated with this recipe?
The recipe is attributed to renowned chefs Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is categorized under vegetarian and Mediterranean cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary flavor profiles of the dish?
The dish features a balance of earthy roasted eggplant with a luscious sweet and tangy tomato sauce.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe per serving?
The dish contains 33.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 6.7g of protein.
What oven temperature is required for roasting the eggplant?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How should the eggplants be prepared and sliced?
The eggplants should be sliced crosswise into pieces approximately 3/4 inch thick.
How long does the eggplant need to roast in the oven?
Roast for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes until tender and golden.
How is the sweet and sour base created?
It starts with a caramel made by heating water and sugar until it reaches a light amber color, then adding red wine vinegar.
What kind of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for red wine vinegar.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer on moderately low heat for approximately 30 minutes until it has thickened.
What type of tomatoes are best for this sauce?
The recipe recommends using 28 ounces of crushed, peeled Italian tomatoes.
How much olive oil is required for this dish?
A total of 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil is used, divided between the sauce and the roasting process.
What size baking dish should be used for the final bake?
The eggplant should be arranged in a greased 8x11-inch baking dish.
How much sauce is added to the eggplant before the final bake?
Two-thirds of the prepared tomato sauce is poured over the roasted eggplant slices.
What is the final baking time for the assembled dish?
The assembled dish is baked for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The dish is finished with 1/2 cup of shredded ricotta salata.
Which herb is used to garnish the finished eggplant?
Two tablespoons of freshly chopped mint are used to sprinkle over the dish.
What type of pepper is recommended for seasoning?
Fresh ground white pepper is used to season both the sauce and the eggplant.
Can I add a spicy element to this dish?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding crushed red pepper flakes as an optional garnish.
How many garlic cloves are included in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves.
How should the eggplant slices be layered in the dish?
Arrange the roasted eggplant slices in slightly overlapping rows.
What should I do with the remaining tomato sauce?
The remaining one-third of the sauce should be served on the side.
At what temperature should the Sicilian eggplant be served?
The dish can be served either warm or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are involved in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What are some tags that describe this dish?
Tags include Sicilian cuisine, roasted vegetables, Italian dish, and comfort food.