Appetizers

Aubergine with tomato and oregano

⏱ 60 min👤 2 pp★★☆☆☆

Why miss out on all the pleasures of all the most interesting and delicious recipes, especially as summer progresses and brings its wonderful aromas, flavours and colours from all the fruit and vegetables growing around us, so light and tasty , allowing us eat in a balanced and pleasant way on the hottest of days? With our culinary idea of the day – aubergine with oregano and tomato sauce - there is undoubtedly a touch of authenticity and flavour-matching of well-chosen ingredients: in this case, however, we did not think only of the palate but we also wanted to do something pleasing on the eye. Have you ever thought you could turn aubergine parmigiana into something more fancy? Well, we present aubergine with oregano and tomato sauce: follow our advice and the flavour will appear by itself.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
16g
Carbohydrates
28g
Fat
12g
Fiber
5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Preparation time
Serves 2 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Fry the aubergines in a very hot griddle pan with a little oil. Preheat the oven to 200°C and start to prepare the aubergine combination: put some baking parchment on a baking sheet; then place a slice of aubergine as a base on which you put a little mozzarella, a slice of tomato, oregano, a little ham; then another slice of aubergine , mozzarella, tomato, oregano, ham, then a final slice of aubergine, a smear of tomato sauce and two cubes of mozzarella. This will give you a kind of layered "cake". Proceed with the rest of the aubergine until you’ve used them all up. Once all the aubergine ‘cakes’ are ready, place them in the oven for 20 minutes. To serve I prefer to use a ‘ring’ with which I cut the aubergine mixture to give it a more regular shape. Et voilà, your aubergines with tomato sauce and oregano are ready to be devoured!

Tips
Do you want to make the most of the pleasures of layered aubergine with tomato sauce? Then it’s best to use the oven to cook it.
Trivia
In the past, perhaps because of its name (‘melanzana’ in Italian), it was believed that the aubergine lead people to madness.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Eggplants alla Pizzaiola with cooked ham and mozzarella

One of the tastiest variations of eggplants alla pizzaiola is certainly the one that includes the addition of cooked ham and mozzarella. This preparation enriches the dish with different flavors and textures, creating a perfect mix between the sweetness of the eggplants and the creaminess of the mozzarella. To prepare this delicious variant, you can alternate layers of grilled eggplants, fior di latte mozzarella, beef heart tomatoes, and fragrant oregano. The final result is a rich dish, ideal for a family lunch or a dinner among friends. Additionally, you can further customize the recipe by adding black olives or capers for an extra Mediterranean touch. Serve the eggplants alla pizzaiola with a generous sprinkle of fresh oregano to enhance the flavors.

Eggplants alla Pizzaiola from Campania

Eggplants alla pizzaiola are a typical dish of the Campanian tradition, where the quality of the ingredients plays a fundamental role. In this regional variant, the eggplants are prepared with fresh tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, and a sprinkle of local oregano, which gives the dish an authentic flavor. The preparation involves baking, which allows the flavors to blend perfectly and achieve a soft and enveloping consistency. You can also enrich the recipe with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to further enhance the taste of the eggplants. This dish is perfect to serve as a second course, accompanied by a side of fresh salad or a slice of homemade bread.

Light Eggplants alla Pizzaiola without ham

For those looking for a lighter version of eggplants alla pizzaiola, it is possible to prepare them without cooked ham, keeping the fresh and genuine flavors intact. This light variant of eggplants alla pizzaiola focuses on the use of eggplants, mozzarella, and tomatoes, reducing the caloric content without compromising the taste. By using light mozzarella and limiting the olive oil, it is possible to achieve a healthy and nutritious dish, perfect for those following a balanced diet. Additionally, baking allows for a tasty result without the addition of unnecessary fats. Accompany the eggplants with a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad for a fresh and balanced meal.

Nutritional benefits of eggplants alla pizzaiola and calories

Eggplants are a vegetable rich in beneficial properties, making eggplants alla pizzaiola not only a tasty dish but also a healthy one. They contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help fight inflammation and improve heart health. Furthermore, eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, thus contributing to good digestion. On average, a serving of eggplants alla pizzaiola contains about 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing light mozzarella and limiting the use of oil, the calorie count can be further reduced, making this dish suitable even for those on a low-calorie diet. Eggplants, thanks to their high water content, can also promote hydration and a feeling of fullness.

Can eggplants alla pizzaiola be frozen?

Yes, eggplants alla pizzaiola can be frozen, but it is important to follow some precautions to preserve their quality. Before freezing, it is advisable to cook them completely and let them cool. Once cooled, they can be placed in airtight containers or food bags, ensuring that excess air is removed to avoid freezer burn. In this way, the dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you want to consume them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the oven or microwave. Remember that, once thawed, the eggplants may lose some consistency, but the flavor will remain delicious.