Description
Light, flavorful, and effortless to prepare, this Eggplant and Tomato Delight is a perfect Mediterranean-inspired dish. With no oven or frying required, you can enjoy layers of tender marinated eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all drizzled with a zesty garlic and herb marinade. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, refreshing appetizers, or elegant side dishes, this recipe is both wholesome and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 Fior di latte mozzarellas (or 200-250g of your preferred cheese)
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- A few fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil (for marinating and drizzling)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggplant
- Slice the eggplant into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release excess moisture and reduce bitterness.
- After 10 minutes, gently pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel.
2. Marinate the Eggplant
- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, and lemon juice.
- Add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and stir well to create the marinade.
- Toss the eggplant slices in the marinade until evenly coated. Let the eggplant marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella
- Slice the tomatoes into even rounds of similar thickness to the eggplant slices.
- Slice the Fior di latte mozzarella into rounds, keeping them slightly thicker for creaminess.
4. Assemble the Dish
- On a serving platter, arrange the slices by alternating marinated eggplant, tomato, and mozzarella in a stacked or circular pattern.
- Drizzle the remaining marinade over the assembled stacks to enhance the flavor.
5. Season and Garnish
- Sprinkle the stacks with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley and basil for a pop of color and freshness.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately as a light main dish, an appetizer, or a refreshing side. Pair it with crusty bread, a green salad, or your favorite Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
Notes
-
Salt the Eggplant: Letting the eggplant sit with salt removes bitterness and ensures a tender texture. Don’t skip this step!
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Fresh is Best: Use ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for maximum flavor and creaminess.
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Marinate Longer: If you have extra time, marinate the eggplant for up to 30 minutes for even deeper flavor.
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Customize It: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or swap mozzarella with feta for a tangy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Marinated
- Cuisine: Mediterranean