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Sardinian-style Eggplants

17/11/2023

Sardinian-style eggplants are a rich and flavorful dish that reflects the flavors and aromas of Sardinian cuisine. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 400 g of tomato passata
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 200 g of sweet Sardinian pecorino cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Oregano
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Breadcrumbs (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the eggplants, remove the ends and slice them lengthwise into slices about half a centimeter thick.
  2. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for about 30 minutes to lose their water content and any bitterness.
  3. In the meantime, prepare the sauce. In a pan, heat up a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the peeled garlic clove. Remove the garlic once it’s golden brown and pour in the tomato passata, season with salt and pepper, and add a pinch of oregano. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Grill the eggplant slices on a hot grill until they are softened and have taken on color on both sides.
  5. Cut the Sardinian pecorino into thin slices or grate it.
  6. In an oiled baking dish, create a layer of eggplants, cover with some tomato passata, a few torn basil leaves, and pecorino. Continue layering until all the ingredients are used up.
  7. If you wish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on the top layer to create a crispy crust.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20-30 minutes, until the surface is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  9. Allow to rest a few minutes before serving.

Curiosities

Eggplants are widely used in Sardinian cuisine and can be prepared in various ways. This dish enhances the simplicity of the ingredients of this cuisine, where Sardinian pecorino plays a leading role for its robust flavor and its ability to meld with the other ingredients.