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Eggplant Flan

17/11/2023

The eggplant flan is a delicious main course or also a side dish, greatly appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s the recipe to prepare an Italian-style eggplant flan:

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 2 eggs
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 200 g of mozzarella
  • 400 g of tomato puree
  • Fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Garlic (1 clove)
  • Breadcrumbs

Preparation

  1. Wash the eggplants, cut them into slices about half a centimeter thick, and grill them on a griddle or in a non-stick pan with a little oil until they are soft and slightly golden on both sides. Lightly salt.

  2. In a pan, sauté the garlic (which you will then remove) with a bit of oil and add the tomato puree. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 15 minutes, until the sauce has reduced. At the end of cooking, add some chopped fresh basil.

  3. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the Parmesan, add salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Take an oven-safe dish and grease it with a bit of oil. Sprinkle the bottom with breadcrumbs.

  5. Assemble the flan by alternating layers of grilled eggplant, diced mozzarella or thin slices, a bit of tomato sauce, and a bit of the egg and Parmesan mixture. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of Parmesan and breadcrumbs.

  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20-30 minutes or until the surface is nicely browned and the flan is well set.

  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Fun Facts

The eggplant flan can be customized in many different ways. Depending on the Italian regions, you will find those who add capers, olives, or cooked ham among the layers. It is a versatile dish that lends itself to multiple variations, in true Italian style.

Eggplant Flan