Eggplant and tomato – two ingredients that, when combined, create a symphony of flavors that is truly irresistible. And that’s exactly what you get with this Eggplant-Tomato Casserole recipe. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations in my family, and it has a special place in my heart. Why? Because it’s not just about the taste (which is amazing, by the way), but also about the memories it brings back every time I cook it. This casserole is a wonderful amalgamation of flavors and textures, with the softness of the eggplant complementing the tanginess of the tomatoes perfectly. Plus, the cheese on top adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Whether you are a fan of eggplant or not, I can guarantee that you will love this dish. And the best part? It’s super easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients and a simple cooking method, you can whip up this casserole in no time. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant
- 4 tomatoes
- salt and pepper
- oregano flakes
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
Baking Instructions
- Peel and cut eggplant into 1/4-inch slices.
- Peel tomatoes and slice.
- In a 2-quart casserole dish, arrange a layer of eggplant; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Put a layer of tomatoes on top; sprinkle with salt, pepper and oregano flakes you have crushed with your fingers and cheese.
- Repeat layers until casserole is full, ending with cheese on top.
- Cover; bake in a 400° oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until eggplant is tender when tested with fork.
Calorie: 200
Total cooking time: 50 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Eggplant-Tomato Casserole Caper
So there I was, standing in the kitchen with a sharp knife in my hand and a small, slightly menacing eggplant giving me the evil eye. I mean, eggplants are kind of weird, right? They’re like the punk rockers of the vegetable world – all glossy and dark on the outside, but just plain old veggie on the inside. Anyway, I digress, let’s get on with the show.
Eggplant vs. Human – Round 1
The first order of business was to peel and cut the eggplant into 1/4-inch slices. Sounds easy, right? Yeah, I thought so too – until Mr. Eggplant decided to put up a fight. I swear, that thing was as slippery as a politician in election season. But, with a little perseverance (and a band-aid or two), I emerged victorious. Eat your heart out, Julia Child!
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes
Next up, my ripe, juicy adversaries – the tomatoes. Now, I know peeling tomatoes is a cinch for some of you culinary whizzes out there, but for me? Let’s just say it was like trying to disarm a ticking time bomb. One wrong move and BOOM – tomato juice everywhere. But, after a few close calls and minor explosions, I had my tomato slices ready for action.
The Art of Layering
This is where things start to get a little cheesy – literally. I grabbed my trusty 2-quart casserole dish and began the delicate process of layering. First, a layer of rebellious eggplant slices. Then, a liberal sprinkling of salt and pepper to keep them in check. Next, a layer of battle-scarred tomato slices followed by another round of salt, pepper, and some crushed oregano flakes. And to top it all off? A generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, my secret weapon in the kitchen warfare.
The Battle in the Oven
Finally, it was time for the showdown. I covered the casserole and slid it into the oven, preheated to a scorching 400 degrees. As I closed the oven door, I could almost hear the faint cries of the eggplant and tomatoes, bravely facing their fate. After a tense 30 to 40 minutes, or when the eggplant was tender (as confirmed by a fork), the battle was over.
The Aftermath
And there you have it, folks – my eggplant-tomato casserole caper. It was a long, hard-fought battle, but in the end, the delicious aroma wafting from the casserole was a sweet victory. So, if you’re up for a little kitchen thrill, grab an eggplant, some tomatoes, and your favorite cheese, and get ready for some culinary action. Just remember – don’t let the eggplant intimidate you. You’re the boss in this kitchen!
