Cheats Aubergine Parmigiana Recipes

AUBERGINE PARMIGIANA WITH CRISPY BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to full whack and place a large tray on a shelf close to the heat.
• Trim the courgettes and aubergine, slice lengthways into ½ cm pieces, then place in a bowl. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and toss, then put aside.
• Pick the basil leaves, set aside and finely chop the stalks. Peel and finely chop the garlic.
• Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over a medium heat, add the garlic and basil stalks, then fry gently for 2 minutes before adding half the tomatoes (save the rest of another day) and the same volume of water. Cook for 10 minutes, or until it reaches a saucy consistency.
• Meanwhile, rinse the courgette and aubergine, then pat dry with kitchen roll. Tip back into a bowl and toss with 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil, and a good pinch of seasoning.
• Spread the courgette and aubergine on the hot tray and slide under the heat (you may need to do this in batches, as you want the veg in one layer).
• Grill for 5 minutes, or until browned, then flip the veg grill for a further 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the veg as it grills, then tip into a bowl.
• Taste and season the sauce, then pour over the vegetables. Tear over the basil leaves and mix.
• Spread evenly on the tray and tear over the mozzarella. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and grate over the Parmesan, then slide back under the grill. Grill until the cheese has melted.
• Meanwhile, squeeze half the lemon juice into a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and pinch of seasoning. Mix well, then toss through the rocket. When the parmigiana is bubbling and delicious, divide between plates and serve with the rocket.

AUBERGINE PARMIGIANA

Steps:

• Brush the aubergine slices with olive oil on both sides to coat. Heat a griddle pan and cook the aubergines for a couple of minutes on both sides until lightly browned. Set aside while you get on with the tomato sauce.
• Heat a large frying pan. Fry the garlic and onion with a little oil until soft. Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano and wine. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
• Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
• In a medium-sized roasting tin, spread a little tomato sauce over the bottom of the tin. Add a layer of aubergine slices and spread another layer of tomato sauce on top.
• Spread half the ricotta on the top and sprinkle with Parmesan, salt and pepper. Continue to repeat the layers until all the aubergine is used. Finish with a layer of mozzarella slices topped with a final sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake for 25 minutes.
• Serve the parmigiana hot with a green salad alongside. This dish reheats well if you have any leftovers.

CHEAT'S AUBERGINE PARMIGIANA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the aubergines on a baking tray and make a slit down the centre of each. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and season. Bake for 50-55 mins or until the flesh is soft. Heat the grill. Tip the tomatoes into a bowl and season well. Fill the aubergines with layers of tomatoes and mozzarella, and finish with the Parmesan. Put under the grill for 5-7 mins until the cheese is golden.