Side dishes

Eggplant Tower

⏱ 35 min🍳 25 min👤 2 pp★☆☆☆☆

The arrival of summer brings with it a variety of fresh and colorful vegetables, and among these, eggplants stand tall as the true queens of the season. The Eggplant Tower presents itself as a rich and delicious dish, where the softness of fried eggplant marries the creaminess of scamorza and the freshness of tomato, creating a harmony of flavors that invites enjoyment on any occasion. This dish, which can be considered a sort of vegetable lasagna, consists of alternating layers of eggplant, tomato, and scamorza, all bound together by a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce, enriched with a delicate aroma of garlic. The technique of frying the eggplants is essential: frying in well-heated oil not only gives a crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the filling but also prevents the vegetable from absorbing too much moisture, keeping its shape and flavor intact. Although the Eggplant Tower may vary from region to region, with different interpretations and ingredients, its essence remains that of a rustic and inviting dish, perfect for a summer family lunch or a dinner among friends. This dish is also wonderfully suited to be served as an appetizer or as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or a side of seasonal vegetables. The versatility of the Eggplant Tower makes it ideal for special occasions as well, such as festive lunches, where its layered presentation evokes a sense of celebration and conviviality.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving

Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
18g
Fat
22g
Fiber
4g

* approximate values per serving

Information
35 minutes Preparation time
25 minutes Cooking time
Serves 2 persons
★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Preparation

Slice the eggplant into rounds and then fry in well-heated oil; meanwhile, prepare a tomato sauce with a drizzle of oil, a crushed clove of garlic, and then the tomato sauce. In a baking dish lined with parchment paper, place the first round of eggplant, a slice of scamorza, a slice of tomato, and continue for two more layers in the same manner, finishing with a slice of tomato. Bake in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes.

Tips
To achieve a perfect eggplant tower, make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the eggplant slices, so they maintain their crunchy texture and do not absorb too much oil.
Trivia
The eggplant is native to India and was introduced to Europe through Spain in the Middle Ages. This vegetable is often used in Mediterranean cuisine for its versatility and unique flavor.